Joaquin ISD participated in the TEXAS WALKS CAMPAIGN on Oct. 29. 2016. Everyone stopped what they were doing at 10AM and walked for 10 minutes. IT'S TIME TEXAS is a unique non-profit organization that promoted the walk with everyone in the state of Texas. They leverage technology to deliver nutrition and physical activity programs and tools to educators, employers, individuals and families across the state. As part of our Health and Wellness policy, everyone was encouraged to walk. We encourage our faculty, staff and students to exercise, eat healthy and get plenty of rest for a healthier body and mind.

The walk was enjoyed by faculty, staff and students. Thank you to all that participated.

TES 4th Grade Ready Writing Team - The Timpson Elementary School fourth grade ready writing team was recently chosen. The team will be composed of Seth Duke, Natalie Johnson, Hannah Odom and Madison Parry. The alternate will be determined at a later date. They will compete at the UIL District competition in December. Mrs. Tammy Penhallegon coaches the team.

Red Ribbon Week - This week Timpson Elementary celebrated Red Ribbon week along with rest of the nation. The national theme for the week was “YOLO! Be Drug Free!” YOLO stands for “You Only Live Once” so you need to be Drug Free. Since Timpson Elementary has a Disney Theme this year we celebrated each day of the week with a different Disney theme. Some of our activities for the week included signing drug free pledges, morning announcements about the importance of being drug free, a coloring contest for grades PK – 1, an essay contest for grades 2 – 5, and a costume contest.

The costume contest winners were: Gretta Oliver as Nemo, Mackenzie Smith as Boo, Avery Metcalf as Minnie Mouse, Baylor Kimbro as Flint, and Christopher Gross as Captain Hook. These winners will be awarded prizes next week.

Thanks to all the staff and students who participated in Red Ribbon week. You made it a big success. Also, a big thank you needs to go out to the Agents for Change Red Ribbon Crew. Remember, YOLO! Be Drug Free!

I recall that my mother, Alice, would complain about her nerves. After a long day of work in her beauty shop she would often go to her medicine cabinet, pull out a blue bottle, and take a spoon full of liquid. She said that it calmed her nerves. At times, when she felt she was going to have trouble sleeping, she would do the same thing.

I never thought much about this until I reached my teen years. On occasion when she thought I was nervous or on edge, she would insist that I take a dose of the elixir “Miles Nervine”. It had a terrible taste which lasted a long time.

On the night before Clara and I married, she insisted that Clara take a good dose of the stuff to assure that she had a good night’s rest. Clara did not like the taste at all. I have since wondered about this over-the-counter elixir, what it contained, and did it really work. So, I did a little research.

Miles Laboratories was founded as the Dr. Miles Medical Company in Elkhart, Indiana, in 1884 by Franklin Miles, He was a specialist in the treatment of eye and ear disorders, but also had an interest in the connection of the nervous system to overall health.

By 1890, the sales success of his patent medicine tonic, Dr. Miles’ Nervine, in treating various ailments led him to develop a mail order medicine business. Miles also published Medical News, a thinly disguised marketing vehicle for Nervine. The tonic remained on the market as a “calmative” until the late 1960s. In 1935 the name of his company was changed to Miles Laboratories.

Dr. Miles’ Nervine was said to treat “nervous” conditions, including nervous exhaustion, sleeplessness, hysteria, headache, neuralgia, backache, pain, epilepsy, spasms, fits, and St. Vitus dance. The active ingredient in Nervine was bromide. Bromide was once used as a sedative and an effective anticonvulsant, and until 1975 it was a major ingredient in over-the-counter products such as Bromo-Seltzer. But the drug had its bad effects on the human body. Bromism (chronic bromide intoxication) was once very common, accounting for as many as 10% of admissions to psychiatric hospitals. Bromide, as a drug, is now rare, although it is occasionally used to treat epilepsy. One source said that a touch of chloroform (an extract of opium) was also used in the tonic. It is no wonder that the authorities clamped down on it.

Considering all the ingredients in Nervine, I am surprised that my mother lived to age 96, though I do now understand why she felt the tonic calmed her nerves. She must have been disappointed when it was taken off the market.

In1979 Bayer AG purchased Miles Laboratory and in 1995 eliminated the Miles brand name from all products. So, say ‘goodbye’ to the elixir that guaranteed “steady nerves” to millions of people in its day, including Alice.

The History of Country Music from Jimmie Rodgers to George Strait starring Jake Penrod comes to the Appleby Sand Mercantile at 7pm on Saturday, November 12th. Advance tickets are $20 each and are available at Appleby Sand Mercantile, 6530 FM 2609 (Appleby Sand Road) and at Boot Barn in Northview Plaza in Nacogdoches. Tickets will be $25 at the door. For credit card orders or more information, please phone 936.554.5822 or visit TheHistoryOfCountryMusic.com

Country music singer, songwriter, and musician Jake Penrod not only sings and writes but can also play just about any instrument you hand him. On his current album, titled Closer To Me, he wrote every song and played every instrument as well. His newest undertaking is equally as ambitious. He calls his new one-man show The History of Country Music from Jimmie Rodgers to George Strait. He is a country music traditionalist who believes moving forward doesn’t necessarily mean leaving the past behind. He says, “We can’t forget where we came from. If country music is going to carry on, you have to keep the roots alive.”

In this enterprising project he highlights the country music genre from its 1920's hillbilly start, through the bluegrass, honky tonk and western swing eras. Then he meanders into the 70's and 80's where we were introduced to outlaw country, then on to the present. Penrod doesn't simply talk the talk, he definitely walks the walk and his passion for this genre of music is obvious in this incredible showcase.

Jake attracted national attention as a featured guest on RFD-TV’s TruCountry, and was a regular cast member on RuralTV’s Texas Pickin’ Party where he not only sang, but was also the program’s pedal steel guitarist. He has performed as country music icon Hank Williams, Sr. in the Off Broadway play Lost Highway and in his self-penned road show, Hank Williams Remembered. He hosted the 2nd longest-running show in America, WSM's Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree, on September 19, 2015

He is a country music traditionalist who believes moving forward doesn’t necessarily mean leaving the past behind. “There were a lot of great ones before me,” he says. “There’s still a lot you can do with what they started. These new guys, they’re creating something new and different, and that’s great, but we can’t forget where we came from. If country music is going to carry on, you have to keep the roots alive.” Jake identifies with fellow Texas Honky-Tonker, Dale Watson, and has embraced the Ameripolitan genre as his own. Jake was nominated in 2015 for “Honky Tonk Male Artist of the Year” for the second annual Ameripolitan Music Awards (ameripolitan.com) in Austin, TX. He was named 2016 “Pure Country Vocalist of the Year” by the Academy of Western Artists.

At an imperially slim 6-feet-two-inches, he steps onstage decked out in a suit and tie, and crowned with his signature Stetson. Penrod gives credit to fellow Texan Ernest Tubb for inspiring his style, “He always looked like a million bucks,” he says. As he begins to play and sing, you realize he is much more than a fan of Jimmie, Hank, Lefty, Ray, Bob, Keith, Merle, Waylon, Willie, George and the rest. He is an avid student of the legends of country and his respect for the artists is clearly evident when he performs. He covers twenty-three of the most iconic artists in country music history while accompanying himself on guitar, piano, fiddle and steel guitar. He gives new meaning to the words, “one-man show." When he's not on the road with The History of Country Music from Jimmie Rodgers to George Strait, Jake Penrod and his Million-Dollar Cowboys can be seen regularly in the dance halls and honky-tonks throughout Texas.

Playlist - The History of Country Music from Jimmie Rodgers to George Strait

Have you ever heard someone say, "If I did that I could never forgive myself." You may have this feeling because of something that you have done. No matter what happens in your life from that point on you tend to always go back to that mistake as defining point in your life. It not only affects what you think about yourself but what you think of others.

Have you ever gotten half way through with something, stepped back, and wished you could just start over? A lot of people feel that way about life. We wish we could cancel out all the mistakes, harsh words, and bad choices we have made. Some people have a real hard time letting go of the past. When I was kid growing up in Louisiana, we would go hunting in the marshes where the water was only a few inches deep but the mud was two feet. The water wasn't hard to walk through but you could easily get stuck in the mud underneath. Some people allow their past to be a lot like that marsh. Its not the things that they're dealing with on the surface that holds them back, but the things under the surface that have them stuck and keeping them from moving forward like they should.

Jesus knows the things we have done wrong, but when we ask for forgiveness He doesn't hold it against us. John 3:17 says He didn't come into the world to condemn us but to save us. As a matter of fact, in Jeremiah 31:34 God tells the Israelite's that He "will remember their sins no more." Do you understand how great this is? The God of everything, who created us and everything we know, says he is going to forget our sins and mistakes! They are gone in His eyes. They do not exist. What mercy God shows us when we seek Him! He has actually chosen to forget our past mistakes. So why do we get bogged down in the events, and people in our past? The only One who matters says He forgets it. He is offering you a new beginning. A clean slate.

So knowing that, what's holding you back from that new life and the joy that comes with it? Probably your having trouble forgiving yourself. The devil will try to keep you stuck in the " mud" of your past by telling you that you will always be the person you were before. Don't you believe it. It is a lie. God tell us that we are made new when we trust Him. God has plans for you. He loves you and has great new things ahead for you. A new life. Your past is forgotten and your future is secure. Trust Him, let go of the past, and start being the new you that God wants you to be.

Joaquin PTO would like to thank everyone who attended the Joaquin PTO Carnival this past Saturday. This is the first year we have held a carnival in many years and it was a success! We look forward to seeing everyone next year. Thanks again for all your support!

A little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with a bag of potato chips and a pack of root beer, and started his journey.

When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old man. He was sitting in the park, just staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to him and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old man looked hungry, so he offered him some chips. He gratefully accepted It and smiled at him.

His smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered him a root beer. Again, he smiled at him. The boy was delighted! They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word...

As twilight approached, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave; But before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old man, and gave him a hug. He gave him his biggest smile ever...

When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, “What did you do today that made you so happy?”

He replied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he added, "You know what? He's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!"

Meanwhile, the old man, also radiant with joy, returned to his home. His son was stunned by the look of peace on his face and he asked, "dad, what did you do today that made you so happy?"

He replied "I ate potato chips in the park with God." However, before his son responded, he added, "You know, he's much younger than I expected."

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime! Embrace all equally!* Have lunch with God.....bring chips.

The Panola College Fillies ended the regular season with a bang beating Wharton County in 4 sets (24-26, 25-22, 26-24, 25-22).

Freshman middle blocker Barbara Sabino led the offense pounding out a career high 20 kills on 29 total swings. Sophomore middle blocker Rachel Henderson followed up with 13 kills and sophomore outside Victoria Baptista chipped in 10 of her own. The trio also led in blocks with 7 from Sabino, 4 from Henderson, and Baptista picking up 3.

Freshman setter Kinly Carter dished out 29 assists and added 6 digs with freshman setter Cayman Sutton adding 24 assists and 7 digs. Sophomore libero Morgan Currie anchored the floor racking up her career high in digs with 37. It was also Currie’s aggressive serving run that brought the Fillies back from a 19-24 deficit in the third set en route to 26-24 win. Baptista once again showed her versatility picking up 23 digs and freshman defensive specialist Camie Copeland added 9 of her own.

The Fillies finish the regular season with an overall record of 30-2, Region XIV North Conference Champions, and nationally ranked #1. They will return to action Friday at 1pm against Lee College in the opening round of the Region XIV Tournament at Lee College in Baytown, TX.

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(Barbara Sabino swings for a kill against Wharton). Photo Credit: Son Huynh

Funding will help beginning, veteran, and socially-disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to expand businesses. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is providing more than $45 million to help farmers, ranchers, small businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide develop new product lines. USDA is investing in 325 projects through the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program.

“Value-Added Producer Grants are one of USDA’s most sought-after funding sources for veteran and beginning farmers, and rural-based businesses,” Vilsack said. “These grants provide a much-needed source of financing to help producers develop new product lines and increase their income, and keep that income in their communities. Economic development initiatives like this one are working – the unemployment rate in rural America is at an eight-year low and incomes rose 3.4 percent last year. Small business entrepreneurship, which Value-Added Producer Grants support, is a major reason why rural America is a making a comeback.”

VAPG grants can be used to develop new product lines from raw agricultural products or promote additional uses for established products. Veterans, socially-disadvantaged groups, beginning farmers and ranchers, operators of small- and medium-sized family farms and ranches, and farmer and rancher cooperatives are given priority.

“This program enables America’s agriculture producers to expand their product offerings, revenue, and increase economic opportunity by bringing additional value to what they currently produce,” said Paco Valentin, Texas Rural Development State Director. “We are pleased to offer funding to rural producers whose endeavors will increase the value of agricultural commodities in their communities.”

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing $3.6 billion in loans to fund 82 electric projects in 31 states. These loans will finance infrastructure upgrades, create jobs and improve system operations for rural electric customers nationwide.

“For 80 years, rural electric utilities have provided reliable and affordable electricity to help rural communities increase productivity and build stronger economies,” Vilsack said. “These loans will help them continue to do that. The utilities and cooperatives will use some of the money to finance energy efficiency projects, renewable fuel systems and smart grid technologies to increase our energy independence and improve rural electric infrastructure.”

United Electric Cooperative Services will use a $90,480,000 loan to build or improve 834 miles of line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $363,475 for smart grid projects.

Harmon Electric Association will use a $13,838,000 loan to build or improve 534 miles of line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $32,069 for smart grid projects and $3,656,000 for restoration projects due to storm damage.

“Electric cooperatives provide a vital service to rural Texas communities,” said Paco Valentin, USDA Rural Development State Director. “USDA Rural Development is pleased to assist United Electric Cooperative Services and Harmon Electric Association to improve the efficiency of essential and affordable services to rural homeowners, farms and businesses.”

Today’s announcement is part of USDA’s celebration of National Cooperative Month throughout October. This year’s theme is “Cooperatives Build.”

LUFKIN - Motorists should prepare for a traffic switch in a major construction project beginning next week on US 59 near Spradley Street in Nacogdoches.

Contractors will be moving US 59 southbound traffic to the newly constructed concrete pavement near the Spradley Street area. Cross traffic at Spradley will remain closed and Webber Construction, contractor for the $14 million project, will be working to construct the intersection at Spradley.

For those motorists traveling west on Spradley Street, they will be required to turn right (northbound) on US 59. Motorists traveling east on Spradley will be required to turn right (southbound) on US 59. Motorists traveling on US 59 will only be able to turn right onto Spradley from either direction. Once intersection improvements are completed, the cross traffic movement will be restored at Spradley Street.

Motorists should also be alert to excavation work in the area throughout the week that will require temporary lane closures leading to the SL 224 Eastbound entry ramp on US 59 North.

This project, a part of the US 59 Corridor Master Plan, is currently in Phase I and will enhance safety and mobility. It is expected to be completed in Spring, 2017, weather permitting. Project improvements include raised medians north of Spradley Street to SL 224; U-turns at Spradley Street and near SL 224; sidewalk construction on both sides of US 59; and reconfiguring the US 59/SL 224 intersection that will allow enhanced turning movements at a signalized intersection.

Motorists are advised to reduce speed and stay alert through all construction areas, being careful to watch for workers and moving equipment. Traffic fines double when workers are present.

For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov<mailto:Rhonda.OaksDonaldson@txdot.gov> or (936) 633-4395.

Notice is hereby given that a Special meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 31st day of October, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. in the Courtroom of the Shelby County Courthouse at 200 San Augustine Street, Center, Shelby County, Texas to deliberate and consider action on the following items:

Timpson ISD Collegiate Center News – The Timpson ISD Collegiate Center offers Timpson ISD students the opportunity to receive an associates two year college degree, certifications and licenses. On Monday October 24 the TISD counseling staff met with 33 eighth and ninth grade students and their parents to develop a plan that puts students on the path to take dual credit classes that would lead to certification or licenses. Currently 33 students are taking dual credit classes that will give them both high school and college credit that can lead to a two year associates college degree. The classes students are currently taking include speech, English, humanities, psychology, history, business, biology, arts, government, math and music. One student is taking welding and five are working toward a Certified Nurse’s Assistant certificate. If your child is in the 8th or 9th grade and you did not get to attend the meeting on October 24th you may schedule a meeting time by calling Stephanie Behrens at 936/254-2463 Ext. 4117.

TES 4th Grade Ready Writing Team - The Timpson Elementary School fourth grade ready writing team was recently chosen. They will compete at the UIL District competition in December. Mrs. Tammy Penhallegon coaches the team. Attached is a list of the team members.

Red Ribbon Week - This week Timpson Elementary celebrated Red Ribbon week along with rest of the nation. The national theme for the week was “YOLO! Be Drug Free!” YOLO stands for “You Only Live Once” so you need to be Drug Free. Since Timpson Elementary has a Disney Theme this year we celebrated each day of the week with a different Disney theme. Some of our activities for the week included signing drug free pledges, morning announcements about the importance of being drug free, a coloring contest for grades PK – 1, an essay contest for grades 2 – 5, and a costume contest.

The costume contest winners were: Gretta Oliver as Nemo, Mackenzie Smith as Boo, Avery Metcalf as Minnie Mouse, Baylor Kimbro as Flint, and Christopher Gross as Captain Hook. These winners will be awarded prizes next week.

Thanks to all the staff and students who participated in Red Ribbon week. You made it a big success. Also, a big thank you needs to go out to the Agents for Change Red Ribbon Crew. Remember, YOLO! Be Drug Free!

Varsity Football – Varsity Bears will play Mt. Enterprise in the last home game of the regular season tonight at 7:00 p.m. This is also Senior Night. Seniors in football, cheerleaders, band and twirlers will be recognized at the pre-game ceremony. Everyone is encouraged to come out and support the Bears!

Join KDET for live coverage as the Center Roughriders travel to Kilgore to face the Bulldogs. You can listen live on KDET 930 AM, KXXE 92.5 FM, online or with the Tune In app on your smart phone.

Our Game-Of-The-Week features San Augustine at Joaquin. Don Wall will call the action live on KQBB 100.5 FM, online or with the Tune In app on your smart phone.

Other games around the area include: Tenaha at Overton, Shelbyville at Carlisle, Mt. Enterprise at Timpson, Palestine at Carthage, Marshall at Pinetree, Longview at Rockwall-Heath, Conroe at Lufkin, Nacogdoches at Ennis, Mesquite Horn at John Tyler, Bullard at Henderson, and Crockett at Garrison.

Check out our scoreboard for final scores of all of these games and more.

Hospice of East Texas is hosting another "Lunch and Learn" on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. It will be at Harvest Point Church (2708 South St, Nacogdoches, TX 75964). The theme is "Grief and the Holidays."

It is an opportunity for people to share a meal, exchange ideas, and learn tips to get through the holiday season while grieving a loss. This is a potluck (so everyone will bring a dish) and it is open to the community. Please call 936-560-9277, ext 127 to register and gather more information.

Hospice of East Texas is a non-profit hospice agency service the East Texas area. "Lunch and Learn" is an opportunity for grieving individuals to come together to share fellowship and support.

LUFKIN – The Texas Transportation Commission on Thursday approved more than $329.5 million for new construction and maintenance contracts statewide at a monthly meeting in Austin. The Lufkin District was allocated $2.5 million for new construction projects and $2.6 million for highway maintenance contracts.

Shelby County received approval for a $1.1 million construction project designated to replace the bridge and approaches on an access road at the Toledo Bend Reservoir on CR 4020 at Bear Bayou and on CR 4293 at Flat Fork Creek Tributary. Stateline Construction, Texarkana, TX will serve as contractor. A timeline for the project has not been set.

Polk County was approved for a $1.1 million construction project designated to replace the bridges and approaches on Rock Island Road at Bundix Creek on Horrace Bonds Road at Long King Creek Tributary and on Forest Hill Loop at Caney Creek . Drewery Construction Company, Nacogdoches, TX will serve as contractor. A timeline for the project has not been determined.

Angelina County was awarded $359,054 for a construction project on US 69 from Huntington to FM 844. The project is designated to prepare the rights-of-way along this section of roadway. A.L. Helmcamp, Inc., Buffalo, TX will serve as contractor for the project. A timeline for the project has not been determined.

Commissioners also approved maintenance contracts for Angelina and Nacogdoches counties. A maintenance contract for Angelina County was approved for $964,900 for Nixon Engineering, Bastrop, TX to provide on-call traffic control services at various locations as needed. A $1.2 million maintenance contract for Nacogdoches County was also approved for N-Line Traffic Maintenance, Bryan, TX, to provide on-call traffic control services as needed.

The October commissioner’s meeting can be viewed at http://www.txdot.gov/apps-cg/commission/mtgs-live-aus.htm. Projects for the state, including the Lufkin District, can be viewed at http://apps.dot.state.tx.us/apps-cq/project_tracker/.

For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.

Downtown on the Center Square, Friday, November 18th, there will be a Benefit held for Sharla Foster. Pulled Pork Sandwiches with chips and a drink will be sold for $5 per meal starting at 10:30am until sold out. For any pre-sale orders, please call 936-248-2081 ext. 1. Delivery will be available with an order of 10 or more.

Many people know Sharla Craig Foster as a caring and concerned friend who loves to laugh, cares for everyone and lifts everyone's spirts when she walks in the room. Sharla's family and friends love her for these qualities, as well as, for being a loving and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, niece, aunt and cousin. She was recently diagnosed with cancer and currently travels 3 hours to Dallas each week for treatment, then returns home on the weekends. The cost of the medical expenses above what insurance pays, gas and maintenance are an additional cost to her family. Any support shown would be beyond appreciated. Thank you all!

"Give to others, and God will give to you. Indeed, you will receive a full measure, a generous helping, poured into your hands-all that you can hold. The measure you use for others is the one that God will use for you." Luke 6:38

Notice is hereby given that a Special meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 31st day of October, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. in the Courtroom of the Shelby County Courthouse at 200 San Augustine Street, Center, Shelby County, Texas to deliberate and consider action on the following items:

Seven students coached by Tina Roddy a Master Instructor in Taekwondo, attended the 2016 A.A.U. (Amateur Athletic Union) Jr. Olympics on July 29 2016 at the George Brown Convention Center in Houston TX Shelby County was well represented. The events were Traditional Forms (a prearranged pattern of kicks, strikes and blocks), Weapons, Musical Weapon Form, and Self Defense. These are their awards and stories;

Abigail Cooper is a 2nd Dan Black Belt she placed Gold medalist in Weapons, Silver Medalist in Traditional Forms and Bronze medalist in Musical Weapons. Her thoughts: “ Jr. Olympics was a great experience my sixth year. I always have fun especially this year with the weapons. I’ve worked real hard and all that worked paid off. I got to hang out and make new friends”.

Samuel Brazzel is a Brown Belt he placed Gold Medalist in Traditional Forms and Gold Medalis In Weapons His thoughts: “At the beginning of Jr. Olympics I was real nervous about competing against people and in front of hundreds of people. When it got to the end and I was done competing in my events, I was really sad, because it was over. My team and I received a lot of medals. Overall it was the best experience ever and I will be doing it for many more years.”

Hunter Cooper is a Brown Belt he placed Bronze Medalist in Weapons and 5th in Traditional Forms. He was also an attacker for a fellow teammate during the Self Defense. His thoughts; “At first I was scared because there were so many people. Then I thought it would be so awesome if I won against them. When I heard, them call me up I was still nervous, but I told myself think about practice then I knew I could do this and won Bronze! I thought this is awesome!”

Logan Galindo is a Red Belt he placed Bronze Medalist in Traditional Forms and Bronze Medalist in Weapons. He was also and attacker for a teammate in Self Defense. His thoughts; “My favorite part weas when I was cheering for my teammates and friends while I was waiting for my turn to perform. We had all trained so hard together for many months. It was great to see my friends do so well. When it was my turn, I felt confident about my events but I was still nervous in such a big place with all the people watching. I was excited to win my medals and havet them put around my neck by a former Olympian! It also felt great when I helped my friend win Gold. All five of us performed so well together. With this experience, I have made some awesome friends and learned how to work hard toward a goal and what it takes to win!”

Ethan McElroy is a 2nd Red Belt he placed Gold Medalist in Weapon and a Bronze in Traditional Forms, He was also an attacker for a teammate in Self Defense. His story; “This was a huge adventure, it helped me realize that I can do whatever as long as I believe in myself and work hard. After each event I felt proud of myself because I won. It took countless hours of practice to reach this point. I plan on using my tournament team experience to get a Taekwondo Scholarship at Austin University.”

Maximus Rojas is a Blue Belt he placed Silver Medalist in Weapons, and Bronze Medalist in Traditional Forms. His thoughts; “It was fun to go to the Jr. Olympics and I was nervous. It felt like a road trip we left early in the morning got to stop and eat. I had a lot of fun.”

Hollie Hamilton is a 1st Dan Black Belt she placed Gold Medalist in Weapons, Silver Medalist in Traditional Forms and Gold Medalist in Self Defense. She had 4 teammates that attacked her from different places with a wide range if attacks she worked it like a pro! Her thoughts “ 1 am 10 years old and I take Taekwondo at Self Defense America. I’m a member of the competition team. This year we competed at Jr. Olympics in Houston. Our team trained hard for months! We competed against kids from all over the United States and some from other Countries. It was very exciting and I can’t wait to see what happens next year!

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our sincere thanks to Gibsons Energy Services for sponsoring the “Gibsons First Annual Truck Pull” benefiting the Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center, which was held Oct. 22 at the Windham Civic Center.

The SCSO works very closely with the advocacy center. We know firsthand the importance of their presence in our community. Their services are utilized by hundreds of children in Shelby County each year and with their help, victims and families dealing with child abuse receive the much-needed care and support to recover from these crimes.

We are certain that the funds raised from this event will greatly benefit the children of Shelby County.

The SCSO commends Gibsons for their generosity in matching the proceeds raised from this event.

When I drive across the district meeting with community leaders, local elected officials and constituents, I am constantly reminded of how lucky we are to live in East Texas. As we soon celebrate Thanksgiving, I am thankful for the opportunity to represent Senate District 3 in Austin as your State Senator. I hope your holiday is filled with family, friends and lots of pumpkin pie.

Here are five things happening around your state this month:

1. Protecting Our Children

Earlier this month, Governor Abbott, Lt. Governor Patrick and Speaker of the House Straus sent a letter to Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Commissioner Hank Whitman, instructing him to work towards improving the protection of children at risk of abuse. The letter instructed DFPS to hire and train more investigators, address the shortage of foster homes and residential providers, create more accountability for Child Protective Services (CPS) and to enhance partnerships with faith-based communities. This letter was in response to reports of children not being seen in a timely manner by CPS.

The Senate Finance Committee held a hearing to discuss these issues and hear from DFPS on how they plan to improve child safety as well as receive an update on CPS initiatives which were funded in the previous session. The Legislature will be addressing this issue immediately and during the upcoming session to ensure children in our state are protected.

2. First Day to File Bills

In preparation for the 85th Legislative Session, my office and others have begun to work on drafts and will be able to begin filing bills on November 14. Many of the ideas we get for legislation come from those in the district who have presented issues affecting themselves or their community. Not all problems constitute the need for a new law, but on the rare occasion one is necessary, my office is ready to work with you on those issues. I intend to file legislation which addresses the concerns of SD 3 as well as the state. I will continue to keep you updated as we continue in the process for the upcoming session and look forward to working for you in the Texas Senate.

3. Starting the Budget

Over the past month, state agencies and universities presented their Legislative Appropriations Requests (LAR) to the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees, Legislative Budget Board as well as the Governor and Lt. Governor's staff. These LAR's give the agencies a chance to discuss their budget request for the next two years, as well as to present exceptional items for projects requiring additional funding beyond their regular budget.

These hearings are just the beginning of creating the state's budget for the next two years. All of the information will be put together and presented to the Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committees to begin reviewing, as well as hold hearings. The primary purpose, and only constitutionally required task, of a legislative session is to prepare and pass a balance state budget for the upcoming two fiscal years. As a member of Senate Finance, I will work hard to help pass a balanced budget while limiting unnecessary spending.

4. Commemorating Texas' History

To ensure the history of our state is preserved for generations to come, the Texas Historical Commission (THC) oversees the states historical markers. These commemorate the history and architecture of houses and buildings, military sites, events which changed the course of local and state history and honor individuals who made lasting contributions to our state and local communities.

The THC is currently accepting applications for subject markers, designated Historic Texas Cemeteries (HTC), and Recorded Texas Historic Landmark (RTHL) markers. Age, significance and architectural requirements govern the eligibility of topics and sites when applying for subject, HTC and RTHL markers. Applications are due by November 15, 2016. If you would like to see a site in your county or community preserved, please contact the THC's History Programs Division at 512-463-5853 or to download a toolkit to help in the application process please visit thc.state.tx.us/markertoolkit.

5. Veterans Day

Veterans Day, which was originally known as Armistice Day, commemorated the ending of World War I in 1918. In 1954, President Eisenhower changed the name to ensure all U.S. Veterans were included. On November 11th, we will pay tribute to all American veterans and their services to our country. If you have a Veteran in your life, I encourage you to honor and thank them for the sacrifices they made to ensure we have our freedom.

Angela Gillis’s 4th Grade class at Excelsior School created Cereal Box Book Reports. Students decorated a real cereal box with the illustrations and information related to the book they read. A lot of time, effort, and hard work was put into these reports.

The Stephen F. Austin State University School of Theatre will present the student-directed, one-act play “Why Do We Laugh?” by Stephen Gregg at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, and at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, in the Downstage Theatre on the SFA campus.

Directed by Houston junior Jason Trevino, “Why Do We Laugh?” is “an endearing one-act play about a lifelong love story and what it means to grow old together,” according to Trevino.

“Eight actors play two characters at four different times in the characters’ lives in this fast-paced comedy,” he said.

Trevino is a Bachelor of Fine Arts candidate with an emphasis in acting and directing. Although he hopes to work as a professional actor and director, his end goal is to work in higher education.

Tickets are $4. For tickets or more information, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit theatre.sfasu.edu. The Downstage Theatre is located in the Griffith Fine Arts Building, 2222 Alumni Drive.

Texas State Technical College is reporting a 17 percent increase statewide in students enrolled at all 10 of its campuses this fall.

Certified enrollment numbers grew from 11,316 in fall 2015 to 13,249 in fall 2016. Of this total increase, TSTC realized a 34 percent increase in new students, with returning students increasing 3 percent. Increases of traditional students set all-time records bested only by the increase at the height of the recession in 2009 that was driven by Pell Grant and dual-credit incentives.

The announcement came following TSTC submitting its certified numbers to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board late last week.

"This type of growth in higher education, much less in a first year of merger, is hard-pressed to be matched," said TSTC Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operations Officer Elton Stuckly Jr. "A little over two years ago, our Board of Regents and TSTC Chancellor Mike Reeser set us on a bold and innovative course to grow TSTC in response to the near-critical skills gap in the state of Texas, and the TSTC family could not have responded with more resolve in this statewide success."

In summer 2014, the TSTC Board of Regents approved the recommendation to merge its four regional colleges comprised of 10 statewide campuses into one single accredited college. In spring 2015, TSTC successfully completed all the necessary requirements and received approval from SACSCOC to begin operating as one college. In fall 2015, Reeser set a first priority of working to grow enrollment statewide.

"The success of our students and their impact on increasing needs within the Texas workforce remains the focus of our work," said Reeser. "I cannot give enough credit to our faculty and employees across every operational division and every campus for pulling together in such a significant and collaborative way."

"I could not be more proud of our team, both here in East Texas and across the state, for banding together to reach such an incredible milestone," said TSTC in Marshall Provost Barton Day. "I'm truly humbled to be part of such an awesome group of folks. This is a great day for the TSTC family and the state of Texas."

Following the statewide merger in 2015 and stated priority to grow, TSTC operationally realigned all enrollment services statewide into a strategic collaborative with the operational divisions of the college and set sights on an aggressive 12 percent increase in enrollment statewide.

"With double-digit increases in applications, we set our sights on new student growth with a major emphasis on personal customer service throughout the enrollment experience," said TSTC Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Services Rob Wolaver. "The innovation and growth of capacities building new cohorts in our instructional divisions was paramount. It truly was a whole-team win for the college."

"It's been quite a run for TSTC over a very short period of time," said TSTC Vice Chancellor and Chief Marketing Officer Jeff Kilgore. "Changing to a results-based funding formula, bringing two new metro campuses out of the ground in Hutto and Red Oak, achieving single accreditation without a recommendation from SACSCOC, cutting the ribbon last month on a new campus in Fort Bend County for which $40 million was donated by the community, announcing a money-back guarantee, and now this type of statewide enrollment growth is just another testimony in a growing long line that the brand value of TSTC has never been stronger in the schools, homes, communities, industry and even in the Texas state Capitol."

Silver Springs Farms, Inc., a Harleysville, Pa. establishment is recalling approximately 7,970 pounds of ground beef and burger products, and 208,397 pounds of sandwich steak products that may be adulterated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced.

LeTourneau University received a $600,000 Lilly Foundation grant to create a theological institute for high school students to explore their vocational calling.

The strategic initiative, called Passage Institute for Youth and Theology, will provide the opportunity for 50 high school students from around the Ark-La-Tex area each year to participate in a Passage Fellowship.

Participation features two week-long residential experiences on the LETU campus in Longview with direct engagement with a leadership team including LETU theology professors Dr. Luke Tallon, Dr. Pat Mays and Dr. Jonathan Lett.

The Passage Fellowship also provides student participants with a year-long mentorship program with a Passage Mentor from their local church, guided by the Passage Institute.

Each Passage Mentor will have completed an application and review process to address willingness, commitment, and aptitude for being a Passage Mentor. Those selected will attend a one-day Passage Mentor Training in April 2017 at LETU's main campus in Longview which will equip each Passage Mentor with the tools and resources needed to be effective mentors.

"The mission of the Passage Institute for Youth and Theology is to equip youth and those who minister to youth for participation in God's mission to reconcile and restore all creation through Christian study and practices," said Pat Mays, director of programming for the Passage Institute.

"Our goal and our prayer is for youth to be transformed for Christian leadership in all areas of life through faithful response to Jesus' call to participate in God's mission of reconciliation and restoration," Mays said. "Over the last generations, Christians in America have not been very successful in evangelizing and discipling youth. Recent studies, however, have shown that youth who have engaged in serious theological study and intentional Christian practices have a more resilient faith. We aim to serve the church by multiplying such experiences for students in the Ark-La-Tex region."

Students who qualify to participate must be high school juniors during Summer 2017 with demonstrated commitment to and leadership within their local churches.

"This yearlong immersion in Christian theology and practices is bookended with a week-long theology camp at LETU in the summer of June 2017 and again in summer 2018, with intentional mentoring with a leader from their local churches and a mid-year retreat in January 2018," Mays said.

Passage Institute's director of theology Luke Tallon says the Passage Fellows will gather on LeTourneau University's Longview campus for an intensive week of study, worship, and practice. Seminars will be led by LETU theology faculty as Passage Fellows delve into classic Christian theology.

Passage Fellows will take the ideas learned in class to the streets through mission projects and outdoor adventures. "Think of it as a retreat on steroids, a combination of mission trip, camp, and discipleship class all rolled into one," Tallon said.

Following the first residential experience, Passage Fellows will be mentored by a Passage Mentor from their local church. During the mentoring year, considerable time will be given to nurturing the spiritual life and in developing Christian community by designing and implementing a project for the local church.

"Phase Two happens one year later," Tallon said. "That is when Phase Two Passage Fellows take on leadership roles in the Passage residential experience and move on to advanced theology seminars while they provide guidance for new, incoming Phase I Passage Fellows."

Parents, pastors, youth pastors, or church leaders may nominate youth who they believe will benefit and thrive in the Passage Fellowship.

"Once a nomination is received, then the youth will be notified," said Jonathan Lett, director of outreach for the Passage Institute. "At that point, the nominated youth will need to complete an application, along with securing the appropriate references."

Lett said that youth can initiate the process by first completing an online application that includes two short essays, and then securing a nomination and references. Nominations and references can be done by the same person.

The completed nominations, application, and references are due by Jan. 15, 2017 for the 2017-2018 fellowships. The Passage Leadership Team will review nominations and send out invitations to the Passage Fellows in March 2017.

Students interested in being a Passage Fellow can contact Lett by email at JonathanLett@letu.edu.

LeTourneau University is the premier polytechnic university in the nation where educators engage students to nurture Christian virtue, develop competency and ingenuity in their professional fields, integrate faith and work, and serve the local and global community.

LETU offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs across a range of disciplines and delivery models at LETU's residential campus in Longview, Texas, and in hybrid and fully online options at centers in Dallas, McKinney and Houston. For additional information, visit www.letu.edu.

The Homecoming Friday evening festivities begin with a Lumberjack basketball exhibition game at 6:30 p.m. against Huston-Tillotson University in Johnson Coliseum. The Torchlight Parade follows at 8:30 p.m. beginning at the SFA statue, “Surfing Steve,” and concludes at the intramural fields where the bonfire, pep rally, fireworks and David Nail concert will be held. Representatives from the SFA Alumni Association will be in attendance distributing free 3-D fireworks glasses from the alumni tent.

The fun resumes Saturday morning with the Flap “Jack” Breakfast prepared by members of the Nacogdoches Kiwanis Club from 8 to 10 a.m. in the lobby of Commercial Bank in downtown Nacogdoches.

Children can decorate their flapjacks with special toppings, receive coloring books and have their photo taken with the SFA Lumberjack and Ladyjack mascots and other members of the SFA spirit teams. Flapjacks are free to participants in the Homecoming 5K. The cost is $6 per person for those not participating in the run.

The seventh annual Lumberjack Homecoming Certified 5K begins at 8 a.m. at the Student Recreation Center. Pre-registration is available online at www.active.com.

The Homecoming Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. in downtown Nacogdoches where onlookers will line the streets to watch colorful-themed floats and pageantry, and listen to music.

After the parade, the action moves to Alumni Corner (junction of Hayter and Raguet Streets) beginning at noon for pre-game tailgating. Admission to Alumni Corner is free for Alumni Association members and $15 for non-members. Entry for children ages 10 and under accompanied by an adult is $5 and for children 5 years old and younger is free.

Alumni Corner will again feature the Suddenlink “Bundle U” Viewing Lounge, live entertainment sponsored by Premier Kia, Lumberjack-themed tailgate food, games and the second annual Fall Fest where children can enjoy a bounce house, face stickers, hair painting and other fun festivities for free. The first 100 children to attend the Fall Fest will receive a “Future SFA Alumni” T-shirt. The Fall Fest is sponsored by Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry.

Benefit drawing tickets will be sold at Alumni Corner until 2 p.m. for $100. The winner of the benefit ticket drawing will receive $5,000 to apply toward the scholarship of his/her choice. Ticket purchases are tax deductible; however, tickets other than the winning ticket cannot be designated to a specific scholarship.

Hundreds of yellow rubber ducks will race at the Ag Pond at 1 p.m. for more than $1,750 in prizes during the 26th annual Duck Dash. Proceeds from the Duck Dash benefit the SFA Alumni Scholarship Fund administered by the SFA Alumni Association. Ducks may be sponsored for $5 each or six ducks for $25. Ducks may be sponsored until Nov. 4.

The highlight of Homecoming weekend is set to begin at 2:30 p.m. at Homer Bryce Stadium when the SFA Lumberjacks take on the Bears of the University of Central Arkansas. General admission tickets are $12 and available by calling (936) 468-JACK, online at www.sfajacks.com or at the gate on game day.

For more information about Homecoming events, contact the SFA Alumni Association at (936) 468-3407 or visit www.sfaalumni.com/events. Event and benefit tickets and Duck Dash sponsorships may be purchased online at www.sfaalumni.com/events or in person Monday through Friday at the Pearman Alumni Center on the SFA campus.

The entire student body of Center Middle School totaling approximately 700 students gathered together today in honor of Drug Free Week to create a design in the back field. CMS teacher, Jennifer Ferguson, came up with the design. Students found their places among the design that was drawn by the maintenance department and CMS art students. The photograph was taken by 8th grader, Grant Hockenberry, with the use of his drone. The photo will be submitted into a contest for the chance to earn cash for the CMS campus.

The Capt. Jesse Amason Camp # 282 Sons of Confederate Veterans will hold their regular monthly meeting October 31, 2016 at the Las Margaritas Restaurant, 110 Nacogdoches St., Center at 6:30 PM. Come join us as we honor our Confederate Ancestors! Also, please remember that it is time to pay your dues.

Our program for October will be presented by Tommy Holmes of the General Horace Randal Camp #1533 in Carthage, TX.

All interested parties are encouraged to attend, and any male descendant of a confederate soldier who was in good standing is eligible to join. The public is welcome. Those wishing to eat are asked to arrive about 6:00 PM so you’ll be ready for the program. Contact Jim Barrett (936) 254-2618 for additional information.

The Shelby County A&M AgriLife Extension Office is hosting a Beef & Forage Seminar, November 10, 2016. The program will be held at Community House-Rock Building, 415 San Augustine St., Center, TX. Pre-Registration is $15.00 and Registration at the door is $20.00. Click here to see/print Registration form.

The program will be held from 6:00-9:00PM, meal served at 5:30PM. This year’s program will cover a multitude of topics. Darren Rozell with Rozell Sprayers will be talking about pros and cons of GPS tracking and foam markers for herbicide applications. Texas Wildlife Services Greg Miller will be covering Feral hog and Beaver Management.

Educational programs of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.Provisions from the American Disability Act are considered when planning educational programs and activities. Please notify the Shelby County Extension office at 936-598-7744 by November 01, 2014, If you plan on attending this program and need specialized services.

Last month, the attorney general’s office obtained settlements with 21 San Antonio-area convenience and dollar stores for selling contact lenses without prescriptions. Store owners agreed to pay $50,000 in civil penalties and attorney fees, and to permanently stop selling the lenses.

CPD is charged with enforcing a variety of state and federal consumer protection laws. Consumers in the state have received hundreds of millions of dollars in refunds, services, debt forgiveness or loan restructuring because of the work of the division. In addition to penalties and restitution, CPD has collected millions of dollars in attorneys’ fees, which have saved taxpayer dollars by helping to replenish funds allotted to the division’s mission to protect consumers.

CPD also receives and reviews complaints submitted to the office by consumers; while the attorney general is prohibited from representing such individuals, these complaints are used by the office to help shape priorities and identify issues affecting Texans. Consumers can file complaints by visiting: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/cpd/file-a-consumer-complaint

he Shelby County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank everyone who participated in the 3rd annual Halloween in the Hole held Oct. 25 at the Center High School baseball field. Hundreds of children and parents turned out for the event dressed in a variety of costumes. We hope that everyone enjoyed the night.

We would like to thank John Burns – Farmers Insurance for sponsoring with us and co-sponsors East Texas Press and The Light and Champion. A big thank you goes out to Center High School National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Art Club and Susan Penick. The event would not have been as successful without your efforts.

The SCSO is dedicated to our county. We are thankful for events like these that allow us to interact with members of our community. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing each of you next year.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our sincere thanks to Gibsons Energy Services for sponsoring the “Gibsons First Annual Truck Pull” benefiting the Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center, which was held Oct. 22 at the Windham Civic Center.

The SCSO works very closely with the advocacy center. We know firsthand the importance of their presence in our community. Their services are utilized by hundreds of children in Shelby County each year and with their help, victims and families dealing with child abuse receive the much-needed care and support to recover from these crimes.

We are certain that the funds raised from this event will greatly benefit the children of Shelby County.

The SCSO commends Gibsons for their generosity in matching the proceeds raised from this event.

The vision of Portacool Park is taking the last major step toward construction and becoming an improved attraction and asset for the entire community. With representatives from Portacool, LLC in attendance, the City Council approved the maximum price for construction and authorized the acquisition of components to be acquired directly by the City.

Ben Wulf, CEO of Portacool, LLC presented Mayor Chadwick with the initial contribution for this facility upon reaching this project milestone. "Our company's roots are steeped in Center, and we look forward to giving back to the city that is home to our work and community family," says Ben Wulf, CEO of Portacool, LLC, the naming sponsor of the park and funding partner.

This action is the culmination of over a year of project planning and coordination of funding from Portacool, LLC, a grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife, the City and the Street Improvements for Economic Development. The park facilities will include a quarter-mile walking trail, restroom facilities, azalea garden, covered pavilion/basketball court, and a multi-purpose soccer/football field that will accommodate CISD athletics.

"The Council and our friends at Portacool, LLC, dreamed of making this location even more of a special place where our families have a beautiful place to relax and play," added David Chadwick, Mayor of Center. "We could not have made a project this grand without the assistance of Portacool and are truly blessed to have them in our community."

Not only are park amenities being improved, the effect is that nearby areas are also getting a facelift. The City purchased property for the widening of Childs Street to improve traffic related to the school campuses. Additionally, a new park parking lot with a new park entrance will be constructed at the end of Malone Drive. The City and CISD were able to negotiate an exchange of this site for access to land at Center Park that has now become the Coach Leon Dykes CISD Tennis Complex.

Childs Street construction is progressing and now that all utilities have been relocated, the street preparation and surfacing will begin, followed by the construction of the new parking area.

"It is amazing how much can be accomplished with shared vision, cooperation and community partners such as Portacool," stated Chad Nehring, City Manager. "Their leadership in developing the standard for improvements and providing resources to make those dreams a reality for the benefit of the entire community is not only generous but exemplifies the ideals of Portacool and Center."

Construction on the park site should begin within thirty days lead by a great team of Berry & Clay Construction with project oversight by MHS Planning and Design and demolition starting immediately by City crews as a part of the TP&W grant requirements.

The Hospice of East Texas Annual Light up a Life Celebration will be held on Thursday, November 10, at 5:30 PM, 2016 indoors at The Hospice of East Texas Shop located 1012 N Street.

Join us for a roll call and candle lighting ceremony in memory of your loved one to celebrate their life during the upcoming holiday season. Anyone from the community is invited to honor the memory of a friend or family member by attending this free event and will receive a keepsake candle. Special music and refreshments will be provided.

The holidays can be particularly hard on families dealing with loss and grief. We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to make a new memory.

Notice is hereby given that a public meeting of the Board of Directors of the Shelby County Appraisal District will convene at 5:30 P.M. on Tuesday, November 1, 2016, at the appraisal district office at 724 Shelbyville Street, Center, Texas. The following subjects will be discussed and action taken where necessary.

Agenda:

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comment

3. Approve Minutes of July 12, 2016 Meeting

4. Approve Check Register for the Third Quarter of 2016

5. Approve Annual Financial Report for the Period Ending December 31, 2015

There are loads of Christian books, mysteries, romance, science fiction, westerns, novels and many more treats for all!

Paperbacks are 50 cents, hardbacks are $1.00, and a few special books are slightly higher. Also available will be decorative crosses, wreaths, and raffle tickets for a beautiful quilt. All proceeds enable the library to buy more books.

Sale time will be during regular library hours. The library is located at 619 Tenaha St.

Get ready for food, fun, fellowship and games because October 31st is Hallelujah Night at Center Christian Fellowship. It is a community wide event. This year the night of excitement will begin at 6:00 p.m. and be over at 9:00 p.m. You will need to be there at 6:00 p.m. to enter the costume contest. It is a Christian alternative to what the world calls “Halloween”. It’s free, free, free! Everyone is invited to come and enjoy! Every child that comes will win lots of candy and prizes by playing the various games we have to offer.

This night of excitement will take place at Center Christian Fellowship located at 2471 U.S. Highway 96 North in Center, Texas. We would love for you to come. There will be games, bounce houses, an obstacle course, hayrides, face painting, cake walk, etc. There will be snow cones, fried Oreos, hot dogs, popcorn and more.

Teachers and students at CMS are celebrating Drug Free Week. Students are participating in a different theme day each day, with participation incentives being given throughout the week.

Art teacher, Meagan Daniels' classes are using their creative talent and chalk to create murals and slogans on outside walls. Students have created several posters as well as anti-drug messages on fences around the school.

Center New Life Church is hosting a Scare Tactics Event. The Departed will start Sunday, October 30 at 6:00pm and will run till Thursday, November 3rd. Monday through Thursday, The Departed will start nightly at 7:00pm.

The Center Athletic Boosters would like to announce the Raffle winners of the Yeti Cooler drawn October 21, 2016 at the Friday night football game:

Congratulations to:

John Michael Burns

Steve Waters (won twice)

Roscoe McSwain

Rick Campbell

Dr. David Luquette

Lynn Johnson

Torre Scifo

Terry Anderson

Tony Willoughby

Traci Willoughby

Will Lucas

Richard Prince

Dr. Thomas Youngblood

Josh McAdams

Deuce Wulf ($1000 winner)

Bruce Koonce

Ryan Mackey

Brett Scarber

Tammie Moore

We would like to thank our sponsor, Shelby Savings Bank and everyone who purchased raffle tickets. All contributions go to the Center Athletic Booster Club to support all Varsity and Sub-Varsity sports played at CISD.

Athletic Boosters' Mission Statement: "Building Character One Play at a Time".

Cybersecurity, economic development and tourism are on the agenda during the 2016 Governor’s Small Business Forum and Economic Summit, hosted by the Texas Forest Country Partnership.

The luncheon Summit will be 8:30 am – 2:30 pm, Wednesday, Nov. 9 at the Lufkin Convention Center. Reservations for the day are $50 each or tables of eight for $500. For reservations call Jerry Huffman, Texas Forest Country Partnership executive director, at (936) 632-3552 or register online at www.regonline.com/LufkinForum.

The event will feature:

Recognition of a Small Business of the year from each of the region’s 12 counties by the Governor’s Office Announcement of the Texas Forest Country Regional Economic Plan

Session on Economic Development and Tourism from the Governor’s Office

Cybersecurity for small businesses and communities Legislative update on the upcoming 2017 legislative session by State Senator Robert Nichols and State Representatives Trent Ashby and Travis Clardy.

The event’s keynote speaker is Dr. Lowell Catlett, a futurist with positive and upbeat predictions. His unique perspective of emerging technologies prepares us to anticipate coming changes. Catlett was a Regents Professor in Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business and Extension Economics and the Dean of the College of Agricultural Consumer and Environmental Sciences at New Mexico State University. He retired in 2015. The event will start with the presentation of the Forest Country Region Small Business Awards, which are awarded to one outstanding business from each of the TFCP counties. “This event will provide a great deal of information to our business owners and leaders in our 12-county region,” Jerry Huffman, executive director of the Texas Forest Country Partnership, said. “Plus, it offers an opportunity to speak with our legislators as well as hear from them about these issues that directly impact our communities.

“This is a chance help make a difference in East Texas. This is what this Partnership is all about — creating opportunities and growing East Texas,” Huffman said. “Our board and member counties work hard to ensure our part of Texas remains a great place to live and raise a family.”

The event also will include the awarding of The Silver Bucket, sponsored by First Bank & Trust East Texas. It is given to a person who has given of themselves — “toted a lot of water” strictly for the betterment of East Texas.

Cybersecurity, economic development and tourism are on the agenda during the 2016 Governor’s Small Business Forum and Economic Summit, hosted by the Texas Forest Country Partnership.

The luncheon Summit will be 8:30 am – 2:30 pm, Wednesday, Nov. 9 at the Lufkin Convention Center. Reservations for the day are $50 each or tables of eight for $500. For reservations call Jerry Huffman, Texas Forest Country Partnership executive director, at (936) 632-3552 or register online at www.regonline.com/LufkinForum.

The event will feature:

Recognition of a Small Business of the year from each of the region’s 12 counties by the Governor’s Office Announcement of the Texas Forest Country Regional Economic Plan

Session on Economic Development and Tourism from the Governor’s Office Cybersecurity for small businesses and communities Legislative update on the upcoming 2017 legislative session by State Senator Robert Nichols and State Representatives Trent Ashby and Travis Clardy.

The event’s keynote speaker is Dr. Lowell Catlett, a futurist with positive and upbeat predictions. His unique perspective of emerging technologies prepares us to anticipate coming changes. Catlett was a Regents Professor in Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business and Extension Economics and the Dean of the College of Agricultural Consumer and Environmental Sciences at New Mexico State University. He retired in 2015.

The event will start with the presentation of the Forest Country Region Small Business Awards, which are awarded to one outstanding business from each of the TFCP counties.

“This event will provide a great deal of information to our business owners and leaders in our 12-county region,” Jerry Huffman, executive director of the Texas Forest Country Partnership, said. “Plus, it offers an opportunity to speak with our legislators as well as hear from them about these issues that directly impact our communities. “This is a chance help make a difference in East Texas. This is what this Partnership is all about — creating opportunities and growing East Texas,” Huffman said. “Our board and member counties work hard to ensure our part of Texas remains a great place to live and raise a family.”

The event also will include the awarding of The Silver Bucket, sponsored by First Bank & Trust East Texas. It is given to a person who has given of themselves — “toted a lot of water” strictly for the betterment of East Texas.

The entire Shelby County community is invited to participate in Tri-County’s Resource Fair/Fall Fest. The purpose of the resource fair is to educate the community on the resources, services, and information that are available to them. There will also be a fall fest where there will be games and prizes for the children. Food will also be provided. The event will be October 24, 2016 at the Old Elementary School at 214 Nacogdoches Street in Center, Texas from 5 PM until 7 PM.

If you are interested in participating as a vendor, email Saundra Christopher at schristopher@tccainc.org or call (936) 657-4740). Each vendor is asked to arrive at 4 PM to set up, bring their own table and chairs, 2 door prizes and any information that you want the community to know about the services you provide .

Triumph The Church & Kingdom of God In Christ-Center announces their “Women Driven by God” event. Hosted by District Mother, Barbara Cloudy and the Triumph Center family. The event will take place on Sunday, November 13, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. We are located at 908 Daniels Street, Center, Texas. We look forward to seeing you there.

Shelby County 4-H will be hosting a combined meeting for Shelbyville, Center and Joaquin Monday, October 24th at 6:00pm at the First Baptist Church fellowship hall in Center, TX. Special occasion combined meetings are always exciting, hands on and fun!

Shelby County 4-H is hosting a "Color Me Happy" Party! Cost is $10 for members, $30 for adults and $30 for non-member(siblings). Sign up and fees are due October 19th, checks only. You can make the checks out to your club of choice. Sign-ups/Checks can be turned in at the extension office. Any member not interested in painting, you will be able to sign in, go through the meeting and leave. You will receive credit, you do not have to stay and paint.

If you have any questions, please contact the extension office at 936-598-7744.

Setter Cayman Sutton dished out 27 assists, Kinly Carter added 23, and the freshman duo combined for 14 digs with 7 each. It was also Sutton’s aggressive serving run to begin the tie-breaking set that put the Fillies up 9-0 en route to a dominating performance that finished the match.

Defensively, freshman right side Kaitlyn Adams led with 6 total blocks, Henderson and Sabino added 5 apiece, and Baptista chipped in three. Sophomore libero Morgan Currie anchored the floor with 24 digs, while da Silva and Baptista came up big with 15 digs each.

With the victory Panola completes conference play â€‹6-0 and moves to 29-2 overall. The Fillies will return to action Friday in the final match of the regular season, competing against Wharton County at 5 pm in Arthur Johnson Gymnasium for their annual DIG PINK Match.

Parents and teachers, please join Joaquin ISD for the course titled Autism 101: Top Ten Pieces to the Puzzle. This course provides information on the components of autism spectrum disorders. In this online course, participants will be able to define the characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders and identify evidence-based strategies to address the behavioral, social and communication needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. This course is a training module developed by the Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training as a part of a comprehensive training series in Autism Spectrum Disorders.

This training is provided at no cost to you.

The date of the training will be November 10th, 2016. It will begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. The doors will be locked at 8:15 and no one else will be permitted to enter.

Ministerial Alliance and Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce will sponsor our Annual Trunk or Treat Saturday, October 29th on the square in Timpson starting at 6pm. Front street will be closed by 5:45 so get your trunks backed up to the square before then. Please only give out candy that's individual wrapped. Bring games and surprises. Prize for best decorated trunk and best costume. After the Trunk or Treat will be our 2nd annual ZOMBIE walk. Timpson Voluntary Ambulance Service will direct the Zombie walk. See picture for prizes. It's an entire community event.

The Joaquin Economic Development Corporation will meet in regular session Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. at the Joaquin City Office located at 124 N. Preston, Joaquin, Texas.

ORDER OF BUSINESS

1. Call to order, establish quorum & welcome guest

2. Board approval of the previous month’s minutes.

3. Board approval of bills paid and to be paid.

4. Review of financial standing of JED Corporation

5. Adjourn.

IF during the course of the of the meeting, any discussion of items on the Agenda should be held in executive or closed session, the Council will convene in executive or closed session, in accordance With the Texas Open Meetings Act, Governmental Code Section 551 and Texas Revised Civil Statutes.

The Joaquin Public Safety Corporation will meet in regular session Tuesday, October 25, 2016

at 6:00 p.m. at the Joaquin City Office located at 124 N. Preston, Joaquin, Texas.

ORDER OF BUSINESS

1. Call to order, establish quorum & welcome guest

2. Board approval of the previous month’s minutes.

3. Board approval of bills paid and to be paid.

4. Review of financial standing of JPSD Corporation.

5. Board discussion and action on election of Officers

6. Board discussion and action Financial Agreement with the City of Joaquin.

7. Adjourn.

IF during the course of the of the meeting, any discussion of items on the Agenda should be held in executive or closed session, the Council will convene in executive or closed session, in accordance With the Texas Open Meetings Act, Governmental Code Section 551 and Texas Revised Civil Statutes.

Notice is hereby given that on the 24th day of October, 2016 the Board of Trustees of the Joaquin School District will hold a regular meeting at 6:00 p.m., at the Administration building, Joaquin, Texas.

The subjects to be discussed are listed on the agenda attached to and made a part of this Notice. If, during the course of the meeting covered by this Notice, the Board of Trustees should determine that a closed session of the Board of Trustees is required, then such closed session as authorized by the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, Section 551.001 et seq., Texas Education Code, will be held by the School Board at the date, may conveniently meet in such closed session concerning any and all purposes permitted by the Act, including, but not limited to the following sections and purposes:

Texas Government Code Section:

§551.071 An executive session will be held for the purpose of having private consultation with the Board’s attorney

when the governmental body seeks the advice of its attorney about pending or contemplated litigation or a settlement

offer, or on a matter in which the duty of counsel to his client, under the Code of Professional Responsibility of the

State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with the Act.

§551.072 Deliberation of the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property if deliberation in an open meeting

would have a detrimental effect on the position of the governmental body in negotiations with a third person.

§551.073 Deliberation of a negotiated contract for a prospective gift or donation to the governmental body if

deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the governmental body in

negotiations with a third person.

§551.074 Deliberate the appointment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or

employee; or to hear a complaint or charge against an officer or employee.

§551.076 Deliberate the deployment, or specific occasions for implementation, of security personnel or devices.

§551.082 Deliberate a case involving the discipline of public school child or complaint or charge brought against an

employee of the School District by another employee and the complaint or charge directly results in a need for a hearing.

§551.0821 Deliberate a matter regarding a student or students where personally identifiable information about students

will necessarily be revealed by the deliberation.

§551.083 Deliberate the standards, guidelines, terms or conditions the board will follow, or instruct its representatives to

follow, in a consultation with a representative of an employee group.

§551.084 Exclusion of witness from hearing.

§551.127 A governmental body may use a video conference call to hold an open or closed meeting and a member or

employee of a governmental body may participate remotely in a meeting of the governmental entity by means of a video

conference call if that participation complies with the requirements and provisions of this section.

§551.129 A governmental body may use a telephone conference call, videoconference call, or communications

over the Internet to conduct a public consultation with its attorney in an open meeting of the governmental body or a private consultation with its attorney in a closed meeting of the governmental body.

I will be at the Food Bank in San Augustine (Senior Citizens Center) giving flu and pneumonia vaccine on Wednesday, Nov. 9th from 8:15 am until 10:30 am. Then I will go to the Broaddus Food Bank at The First Baptist Church in Broaddus that same day from 11am until 1pm.

The flu vaccine should be taken by anyone that is over the age of 6 months old. However, I will not be administering to anyone younger than age 4 years. This is a yearly vaccine and should be taken every year beginning in September.

The pneumonia vaccine should be taken only by people that are at high risk or 65 years of age or older. High risk would include smokers, COPD, Heart Disease, Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Autoimmune Disease, Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, Alcoholism, Cancer. Organ Transplants, etc.

Vaccine will be given to people who are not insured with any healthcare insurance.

- We are COOL with the 70's for highs and 40's for lows. But that will only last a couple of more days. The low humidity allows cooling and heating to occur very efficiently. That is especially so with no moisture falling except for early morning dew.

- We will begin a warming trend in to the low 80's on Monday for highs and upper 50's and 60's for lows. NICE weather for our upcoming Sassafras Festival. The only umbrellas needed will be for shade from the sun. UV will be high with little or no clouds, so lots of sunscreen will be needed.

The first slide below is the 6-10 day precipitation forecast. As you can see, we are below the line dry for the period.

- Our seasonal outlook for now through January is also below normal rainfall as reflected in the graphic below. We are at .06 inches of rain for October. Normal is 4.21 inches average over the last 37 years. The lowest total on record for that period of years that were tracked is 1.11 inches in 1994.

below is the 6-10 day temperature forecast.

Seasonal outlook is NOT good as a drought condition is beginning to form.

Justin R. Adams was the 1997 Valedictorian of Tenaha High School. He was a part of the 1996 State Finalist Football team earning All-State Honors and a member of the Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star Team. In addition, Justin scholastic achievements included several district, regional, and state UIL competition events and KTBB Scholastic All-Star.

Educationally Justin has received a Bachelors of Science in Health Care Management and a MBA in Health Care Administration. Justin is currently serving in the United States Air Force and is a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer at the rank of Master Sergeant and his primary duty is an aircraft electrician. During his time in the military he has served four tours of duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is currently serving in a special duty capacity at Joint Base San Antonio serving as a Master Military Training Drill Instructor. Some of the accolades accomplished during his military career includes being hand-selected for presidential support for President George Bush and support for Secretary of State Colin Powell. Air Force Awards achieved while serving our country include the Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Accommodation Medal, Merit Service Medal, Merit Service Medal, Master Military Training Drill Instructor of the Year and Field Training Detachment Instructor of the Year.

Justin was elected into the Tenaha High School Hall of Honor in 2008. Being a part of the Tenaha Alumni, Justin awards a scholastic scholarship to deserving Tenaha Graduates.

Year Books Available:

There are extra 2015-2016 Tiger yearbooks available for purchase. Full-color, 130 pages of Tenaha Tiger highlights for $40.00.

Contact Ali Tyner (tynerali@tenahaisd.com) or you can bring money to campus office.

If during the course of the meeting, any discussion of items on the Agenda that should be held in executive or closed session, the Council will convene in executive or closed session, in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Government Code Section 551.101 and Texas Revised Civil Statues.

The City Council of Tenaha will meet in regular session on Monday – October 24, 2016 at 5:15 p.m. at the Tenaha Municipal Building located at 238 N. George Bowers Drive, Tenaha, Texas.

Order of Business:

Call to Order & Roll Call

Pledge and Prayer

Welcome Guests/Public Comments

Consider Approval for Minutes from September 26, 2016 Regular Scheduled Council Meeting and October 20, 2016 Special Called Council Meeting – ACTION

Consider Approval for September 2016 Financials – ACTION

Cemetery Road and Houston Street Roadwork Repair Update

Review and Discuss Enforcing Nuisance Ordinance #20-06-20-3

Consider Approval of TMRS Retirement Eligibility - Reduce From Current 25 Years to 20 Years - ACTION

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, Santa’s Christmas Parade Committee announces the 2016 parade will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2016 beginning at 6:00 p.m. The theme for the parade this year is”O Christmas Tree” and presented by Shelby Savings Bank.

Categories for the 2016 “O Christmas Tree” themed parade will include Individuals, Schools, Businesses, Churches and Civic Organizations. Judges will award cash prizes to the top three places in each category, First $100, Second $50 and Third $25 and the Overall Best in Show Float will receive $250 cash prize.

According to Christmas Parade chairman, Dr. Randy Collard, the committee cordially invites schools, churches and non-profit organizations to register for free vendor booth space during the parade. The number of vendor booth spaces is limited and applications are currently being accepted and must be returned to the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce office by the deadline on Monday, November 21, 2016. Vendor booth acceptance letters will be mailed to the organization upon application approval.

Parade float entry registration is free and completed applications must be returned to the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce office by the entry deadline on Tuesday, November 22, 2016.

Both Vendor Booth Space and Parade Float applications with entry rules are now available at the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce office located at 100 Courthouse Square, A-101 on the historic downtown Center square or online at www.shelbycountychamber.com.

In keeping with the established holiday tradition, this year’s parade guarantees a time of grand celebration with fun and excitement for everyone. The parade will feature a special Grand Marshal, sponsored by Farmers State Bank, holiday floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce is organized to promote and advance economic enrichment and development, tourism, and the social and civic interest of Shelby County and adjoining areas. For additional information, please call 936.598.3682, email info@shelbycountychamber.com or visit www.shelbycountychamber.com.

THS Collegiate Parent Night – Timpson High School Principal Ron Lindgren, Director of Academic Services Stephanie Behrens and Counseling staff Charlotte Metcalf, Tammy Sparks and Vernett Richardson invite parents and students to Collegiate Parent Night. The purpose of these meetings is to give parents information on the progress of the TISD Collegiate Center and devise a graduation plan specific for their child. This plan can include dual credit classes that allow students to take classes that will award both high school and college credit and vocational/technical classes that can lead toward certifications/licenses. The TISD staff believe it is extremely important for parents to have input and be informed of their students’ future plans and dreams. Each high school class will meet on a designated night in the THS auditorium. The presentation will be approximately 15 minutes and the last 45 minutes will be spent formulating a pathway for each student. Mrs. Behrens, Mrs. Metcalf, Mrs. Sparks and Mr. Richardson will be set up after the presentation to meet with each parent and student in attendance. Eighth grade students and parents are invited to attend October 24th . The meetings are scheduled by grade level. Students and parents will attend the meeting according to the letter the student’s last name begins with which allows for more individual attention. The schedule is as follows:

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors invite the public to join them for a new member ribbon cutting for Taqueria Los Girasoles, owner Manuel Leon, on Friday, October 21 at 11:00 a.m. at 181 US Hwy 96 North in Center. Refreshments will be served.

Taqueria Los Girasoles is a restaurant with a large variety Mexican food menu.

For more information please contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at (936) 598-3682 or info@shelbycountychamber.com.

October 21, 2016 - The Tenaha Tigers attended the 22A District Cross Country meet in New Summerfield on October 18th. The Varsity girls and Varsity boys clinched both district champions. Both teams will compete at the regional meet at Sam Houston State on October 29th. The Jr. High boys team won the district championship as well. Way to go running Tigers! Lauri Sisk, Coach

Notice is hereby given that on the 24th day of October, 2016 the Board of Trustees of the Joaquin School District will hold a regular meeting at 6:00 p.m., at the Administration building, Joaquin, Texas.

Wallace Chapel Baptist Church announces their 2016 Church Calendar. Wallace Chapel Baptist Church is lead by Pastor Derrick Rhodes and First Lady Shaneeta Rhodes. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28

Notice is hereby given that a Special meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners' Court will be held on the 24th day of October, 2016 at 9:30 am in the Courtroom of the Shelby County Courthouse at 200 San Augustine Street, Center, Shelby County, Texas to deliberate and consider action on the following items:

As Timpson Mayor Debra Smith was introduced as the guest speaker at the October meeting of the Timpson Area Genealogy and Heritage Society last Wednesday, even the least observant attendee had noticed there were no lights, no PA system, and no air conditioning. At that moment, about half of Timpson was without its city-supplied electric power and the Mayor seemed the perfect person to ask why. Foregoing her prepared opening, she patiently explained that a vehicle had hit a utility pole on Bear Drive and service would not be restored for five or six hours. The electricity outage addressed and using sunlight from the windows for illumination, Mrs. Smith began her talk. The Mayor, it seems, must always be the Mayor.

Though she didn't grow up in Timpson, Debra Smith's Timpson roots run deep. “If their name is Pate and they live in Shelby County, I'm probably kin to them”, she joked. Born Debra Pate to THS Alumni Robert and Helen Pate, she moved all over the world with her family since her father was in the Army and worked on missiles. The Pates returned to Timpson when she was a teenager and she graduated from Timpson High School. After graduation she attended Stephen F. Austin State University, where she later earned a Masters Degree. She married THS graduate Paul Smith and taught school in both Garrison and Nacogdoches. Paul started Smith Sawmill Service in 1990 and she joined him in the business in 1994.

Wanting to take an active part in city affairs, Mrs. Smith considered running for the Timpson school board but changed her mind and ran for City Council in 2009. Finding city government to her liking, she ran successfully for mayor in 2010, becoming the first female to hold that office. She shared that her background in business has been very helpful to her in her capacity as mayor but that running a city is very different from running a business. “In government, there are all sorts of procedural and legal hoops to be jumped through before any action can be taken, which makes the process complicated and slow.” she said.

Smith told that Timpson does not have a City Manager and that the city is included in a group of 840 other Texas cities with populations between 1000 and 10,000 citizens. The city government has four departments: Electric, Water, Police, and City Clerk. Mayor Smith shared that just because the city is relatively small doesn't mean that the city's problems always are. “The biggest problem the city has faced during my tenure came in May of 2012... an earthquake!” Registering 4.9 on the Richter Scale the quake caused widespread damage and was felt as far away as Shreveport. Within hours, reporters with TV cameras and microphones had descended on the city and she found herself being interviewed on television and asked questions about earthquakes and geology, subjects which were beyond her expertise and comfort-zone.

A second major problem the city has faced during her tenure, Smith revealed, was the failure of the clarifier at the city sewage treatment plant. “Though this problem received far less publicity than our earthquakes, it caused just as many headaches!” she said. Various authorities told the city that it would be necessary to replace the clarifier, at a cost to the city of about $100,000. Realizing that this would be a terrible blow to the city budget, the mayor said she fell back on her sawmill service experience and, after talking with city employees who were familiar with the sewer facility's operation, declared “I think we can fix this thing.” So new parts were ordered or fabricated and installed on the disassembled clarifier, returning it to service at a cost of $30,000. “Saving the city that much money on that repair is one of the accomplishments I am most proud of,” she stated.

Taking questions at the close of her talk, Mayor Smith addressed, among other things, the recently departed circus, which had set up in So So Park. She said the circus had been a big success, although some patrons had wanted to shoot the clown, she joked, and that they had left the park very clean. She also answered questions about the repaving of recently paved Timpson Street. She said that heavy rains which ocurred between the grading of the street and its paving changed the steet's grade, resulting in water flowing across the street and causing flooding. She said that the contractor is repaving the street at no additional cost to the city.

During the business meeting following Mayor Smith's remarks, Margie Holt informed members that the TAGHS genealogy library was in dire need of volunteers, since many regular volunteers have been unable to serve. She said that volunteers need not be experts in genealogy and are not required to do research for visitors but simply make them aware of the resources that are available. Following a suggestion from Mayor Smith that a Facebook page might be helpful in attracting younger members, Judy Ramsey told members that TAGHS has a Facebook page but few know of its existence because it is underutilized and rarely updated. Jim Barrett gave the financial and membership report, revealing that current TAGHS membership stands at 117.

The Timpson Area Genealogical and Heritage Society meets at 2PM on the third Wednesday of each month in the meeting room of the Timpson Public Library on the cornet of Bremond and Austin Streets. The public is invited.

The popular Chikawa Aztec Dancers will return to Nacogdoches for the fourth annual Día de los Muertos Fiesta Saturday night, Nov. 5, in downtown Nacogdoches. Photo courtesy of Bill Nieberding

October 20, 2016 - This year’s Día de los Muertos Fiesta will once again feature the popular Chikawa Aztec Dancers returning to perform at the fourth annual celebration slated for 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, in downtown Nacogdoches in and around The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House.

Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead observance, is considered a cheerful celebration of life, honoring the souls of the deceased. Día de los Muertos is a Mexican term derived from the Roman Catholic All Saints’ and All Souls’ days, traditionally observed Nov. 1 and 2. An array of activities, ranging from decorating graves to creating home altars, typically highlight the celebration that can last for days.

For the past three years, hundreds of East Texas residents have attended the Nacogdoches festival, and this year’s event will provide the perfect addition to a fun-filled weekend, according to Lisa Steed, events coordinator for Stephen F. Austin State University art galleries.

“This year’s Day of the Dead celebration is on the night of SFA’s homecoming,” Steed said. “We want everyone to come downtown after the game and join us for fun, food and great entertainment.”

Among the entertainers will be the fascinating Chikawa Aztec Dancers, the Martinez Mariachi Duo, Charlie Jones & Friends and musicians Juan Carlos and Jenna Ureña. Based in Conroe, the Chikawa Aztec Dancers with their colorful costumes are always a crowd pleaser, Steed said. This year’s fiesta T-shirt will feature an image of an Aztec dancer.

“We will also have the traditional Day of the Dead procession, and anyone can participate,” she said. “Costumes are highly encouraged, especially Day of the Dead themed costumes.”

The community altar returns this year in the window of Cole Art Center where remembrances or a photo of a loved one who has passed on can be included.

The fiesta is organized by SFA Art Galleries, and a fundraiser for the gallery will feature original art and Day of the Dead vintage items. The Día de los Muertos Fiesta has become an event that brings diverse segments of the East Texas community together to celebrate life and art, Steed said.

“This event has become inclusive of all minority communities, not just those considered ‘art people,’” she said.

Steed said a favorite memory of hers from last year’s event occurred when she observed three Hispanic young men who were studying and discussing a piece of art in the hallway of Cole Art Center. They were talking about their different perceptions of what the work was about, when one of them pointed out the written description mounted on the wall beside the piece.

“Seeing those kids ‘find’ art for the first time is what we have wanted to do with this event and with the gallery,” she said.

Vendor booth spaces are still available. Among the vendors already committed to participating are SFA Art Metals, SFA Art Alliance, Friends of the Visual Arts, The Old Stone Fort, Nacogdoches Public Library with free children’s activities, SFA School of Theatre with face painting, and several food vendors, including Casa Morales and Birdie’s Bakery, and more.

Those interested in reserving booth spaces may email sfaartgalleries@sfasu.edu to receive a reservation form, which are also available at the Nacogdoches Public Library and The Cole Art Center.

Sponsors are also being solicited for the event. Confirmed sponsors include SFA Sound Recording Technology, R&K Distributors, the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau and Friends of the Visual Arts.

Justin R. Adams was the 1997 Valedictorian of Tenaha High School. He was a part of the 1996 State Finalist Football team earning All-State Honors and a member of the Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star Team. In addition, Justin scholastic achievements included several district, regional, and state UIL competition events and KTBB Scholastic All-Star.

Educationally Justin has received a Bachelors of Science in Health Care Management and a MBA in Health Care Administration. Justin is currently serving in the United States Air Force and is a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer at the rank of Master Sergeant and his primary duty is an aircraft electrician.

During his time in the military he has served four tours of duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is currently serving in a special duty capacity at Joint Base San Antonio serving as a Master Military Training Drill Instructor. Some of the accolades accomplished during his military career includes being handselected for presidential support for President George Bush and support for Secretary of State Colin Powell. Air Force Awards achieved while serving our country include the Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Accommodation Medal, Merit Service Medal, Merit Service Medal, Master Military Training Drill Instructor of the Year and Field Training Detachment Instructor of the Year.

Justin was elected into the Tenaha High School Hall of Honor in 2008. Being a part of the Tenaha Alumni, Justin awards a scholastic scholarship to deserving Tenaha Graduates.

*(AUSTIN) —* Even though the Texas Comptroller’s office has been around in one form or another for more than 180 years, many know very little about this agency, and its role in serving Texans.

In the latest issue of "Fiscal Notes", we answer the question, “So what does a Comptroller "do", anyway?” (Spoiler: We also settle the age-old debate about the pronunciation of our agency’s name: “controller” or “comp-troller.”)

“Texas state government is a $100 billion-per-year enterprise,” said Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar, the 36th person to hold this office. “While our agency plays many roles in keeping that enterprise humming, one constant remains: we’re here to serve our customers ­– the taxpayers, legislators, state agencies, local governments and citizens of Texas.”

In this issue, we also introduce a new feature — online-only content that provides a deeper look into our stories and topics. It’s our way of helping you get the most out of each issue.

Published monthly, "Fiscal Notes" is online at comptroller.texas.gov/economy/fiscal-notes [ http://comptroller.texas.gov/economy/fiscal-notes ] and can also be received by subscribing via the Comptroller’s website [ https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/TXCOMPT/subscriber/new?topic_id=%20TXCOMPT_142 ].

To learn more about the Comptroller’s office, go to our video library [ https://www.comptroller.texas.gov/about/media-center/videos/ ].

"Fiscal Notes" is an extension of the Comptroller’s constitutional responsibilities to monitor the state’s economy and estimate state government revenues. It has been published periodically since 1975, featuring in-depth analysis concerning state finances and original research by subject-matter experts in the Comptroller’s office.

Commemorating their year-long sesquicentennial anniversary milestone of faith and worship “150 Years to Celebrate, 150 Ways to Serve,” the First United Methodist Church (FUMC) of Center will host their celebration weekend with many planned events on Saturday, October 29 and Sunday, October 30, 2016. The celebration will begin on Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. with a gathering in the church sanctuary welcoming members, past members and the community. Rev. Dr. Jerry Neff will be the guest pastor on Sunday, October 30 at a combined worship service beginning at 10:15 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend this historic milestone at FUMC Center.

Rev. Dr. Jerry Neff has served as a United Methodist Pastor for the past 36 years. He graduated from Center High School in 1973 (his father was pastor of FUMC Center). He graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a BA in Political Science, a Masters of Theology from Perkins School of Theology SMU, and a Doctor of Ministry from Perkins School of Theology SMU. He is married to Laura Owens Neff (39 years) and they have three sons, Matthew (37) and wife Alise, Patrick (32), and Andrew (29). Dr. Neff has served in the Texas Annual Conference his entire career. He served at Winona, FUMC LaPorte, FUMC Kirbyville, FUMC Crockett, FUMC Jasper, A&M UMC in College Station, District Superintendent of the North District, and FUMC Conroe. He is presently serving Moody Methodist Church in Galveston. He has served the Annual Conference as Chair of Small Membership Church Committee, District Auditor in three districts, Coordinator of Church Camp for three districts, Vice Chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry, and is presently serving as Chair of the Board of Pensions and Insurance. He is chair of the District Building and Location Committee for the South District, and is a member of the District Leadership Team and a member of the Executive Committee of the District Leadership Committee. He still enjoys golf, living by the beach, and traveling. He is very excited about coming back to Center and renewing old acquaintances and friendships.

Mt. Calvary Full Gospel Church is hosting a fall revival on November 3rd, 4th, and 5th at 7pm nightly with Evangelist Bro. Lamar Denby. Mt. Calvary Full Gospel Church is located on 417 West, 2 miles from the top of the hill in Shelbyville.

Singing on the River Front Saturday, October 22, 2016 6pm River Front Stage Logansport, LA. Hosted by Mims Springs Baptist Church Featuring: Rock of Ages Band of Hunter Magnolia Baptist.

Everyone invited to bring music instruments, CD's, whatever it takes for you to make a joyful noise to our Lord. Fellowship and refreshments to follow. Bring lawn chairs and be ready to get a blessing!

Lufkin Cheerleading Coach Mary Ainsley Thigpen, 29 has been charged with second-degree improper relationship between educator and student. Thigpen began text messaging an 18-year-old male student during the 2015-2016 school year. The student informed Lufkin ISD police about the graphic nature of the texting. He said at one point, Thigpen's husband became aware of the text messaging, so the two switched to GroupMe and Snapchat to communicate, according to the affidavit.

American Legion Post 90 and Timpson IUSD announce the annual Veterans Day Program will be Friday, November 11 at 10:00 a.m. in the TISD high school gymnasium. The program will include posting of the colors ceremony, music by Master Sergeant Daniel C. Penhallegon, and the THS band, individual recognition of each veteran in attendance, presentation of flags to veterans by kindergarten/senior class and flag folding ceremony. The speaker for the event will be announced at a later date. All veterans are invited to attend.

The student ministry of First Baptist Church will sponsor 5th Quarter after the Center Varsity Football Game on Friday night. The even will start after the game and will end at midnight. Join us for food, fun and games. It's a great place to hang out with friends!

5th Quarter is open to 7th through 12th grade students in Shelby County and will be held at the Family Life Center. Join us for some 5th Quarter Fu!

Basketball season is right around the corner for Panola College and the NJCAA. The Panola Ponies are coming off the first 24 win season in the school history under first year head coach Grant McMillan. Last year Coach McMillan took a program that had finished last in the Region XIV Athletic Conference for three years in a row to a second place finish in the Region XIV Athletic Conference Tournament. This year Coach McMillan and the Panola Ponies have earned the respect from around the league as they were selected to finish second in the pre-season poll that came out on Monday at the Region XIV Media Day.

The Ponies will be returning 4 key players including: Tope Arikawe, Chan Williams-Bey, Tyonte Robertson, and Devyn Wilson. In addition, Coach McMillan has added 10 new comers that combined with the 4 returners has people across the State of Texas talking seriously about the Panola basketball program.

In the men’s East Zone division, TVCC received 12 first-place votes with Panola garnering two. TVCC collected 95 points, the Ponies were next with 77 points, followed by Kilgore (62), Navarro (59), Tyler (54), Paris (30) and Bossier Parish (15).

In the South Zone, San Jacinto received three first-place votes for 86 points. Lee College had nine first-place votes but finished second with 85 points, Angelina was next with 57 points, while Lamar State-Port Arthur received two first-place votes and 55 points. Rounding out the division were Blinn (49), Jacksonville (44) and Coastal Bend (17).

The Panola Fillies were picked to finish 8th in the league on the women's side. Coach Eddie Kite in a rebuilding process have opened a few eyes during the fall scrimmages leading up to opening day.

The Ponies travel this weekend to complete the preseason scrimmages at LSU - Alexandria on Saturday and will open up the regular season at home on November 5 at 5 p.m. against Louisiana Christian. The Fillies round out their October scrimmages this Thursday on Oct. 20 at home against Southern Arkansas University at 4 p.m. then on the road at ETBU in Marshall on Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m. The Fillies open up their season with the Panola College Classic beginning on Friday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m.

The purpose of Red Ribbon Week is to encourage our students to be drug, alcohol and tobacco free.

TES Pre-K Newsletter: Last week we sorted and named sets, learned about the letter D and the number 4. We also read "The Little Red Hen" and made peanut butter/jelly sandwiches on Friday. This week, we will learn the letter E and the number 5. We will read "My Family is Special" and "The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse." We will also sort shapes and learn about families. Reminders to parents: School starts at 7:45 each morning, and ends at 3:25. Parent pickup will go out at 3:15. October 24th -28th will be drug free week, October 31st will be our Halloween Snacks. Please send box tops to school either on a sheet or in a baggy.

Texas Attorney General Paxton and OAG employees across the state will raise awareness of domestic violence by participating in #PurpleThursday on October 20th, as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). On that day, all employees are encouraged to wear purple to work, raising awareness of the issue, showing support for survivors, and taking a stand against domestic violence.

“This is an excellent opportunity for all of us to come together to raise awareness about such a critical issue confronting our society,” said Attorney General Ken Paxton. “Far too many families are impacted by this epidemic of violence that simply cannot be tolerated. I am incredibly proud of the many ways our agency works to help victims and survivors of domestic violence establish and maintain a life free from abuse.”

Domestic violence is an issue that touches too many lives: almost half (47 percent) of Texans report having experienced some sort of domestic violence in their lifetime. #PurpleThursday is part of a campaign led by the National Network to End Domestic Violence.

To learn more about DVAM and find other ways to participate, visit the Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) Go Purple! Campaign and the National Network to End Domestic Violence websites.

Board members of Project String Power met recently to finalize fundraiser events for student scholarships. Board chair Joyce Hughes said, “We have a record number of student scholarships this year so we are concentrating on two objectives: performance and fundraising. Our students are adding music to our local communities.”

Board member Leonard Kacenjar, violin and viola instructor, announced a performance scheduled for Sunday, October 23 at St. John’s Episcopal Church. He said, “The recital is free and the students need an audience. Everyone is invited.”

Another opportunity to hear the Super Group Orchestra will occur on Monday, November 14, in the Central Baptist Church Sanctuary at 6:30 p.m. A reception will follow the concert. Board member Marcia McKillop said, “This will allow the students to perform and give the public a chance to get to know what Project String Power accomplishes with our string players.”

Dr. Jan Jones Forester will perform a “Memorable Musical Moments” piano concert on Tuesday evening, November 1, in the Murphy-Payne Community Room at Panola College at 7:00. The proceeds will benefit the local Project String Power scholarship fund.

Forester graduated with the Carthage High School Class of 1968. She now resides in Longview with her husband Sam and operates Creative Keyboards Piano Studio.

For her Carthage performance, Dr. Forester has selected well-known pieces that will be recognized by the audience members. She will add comments about her performance pieces from time to time.

Tickets for the concert are currently available from Project String Power students and board members. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for students, and children under 13 are free. Tickets will be available at the door.

An additional fundraiser will be held at Whataburger on November 19 from 5 to 8 p.m. Students will perform, and the public is invited to purchase a burger supper to help fund scholarships. Emily Taylor, board secretary, said,”This should be a really fun night of music and hamburgers. We are looking forward to seeing our friends and families take advantage of a night out.”

There are loads of Christian books, mysteries, romance, science fiction, westerns, novels and many more treats for all!

Paperbacks are 50 cents, hardbacks are $1.00, and a few special books are slightly higher. Also available will be decorative crosses, wreaths, and raffle tickets for a beautiful quilt. All proceeds enable the library to buy more books.

Sale time will be during regular library hours. The library is located at 619 Tenaha St.

At the recent 4-H Kick-off event, Shelby County Extension agents Lane Dunn and Jheri-Lynn McSwain presented the “I Dare You” awards to Emilee Elliott of Center 4-H Club, son of James and Terrie Elliott, and Seth Shamblin of Center 4-H Club, son of Scott and Chanda Shamblin. Emilee is active in the 4-H poultry, fashion, and food projects. Seth is an active participant in the shooting sports, virtual fishing, swine, outdoor challenge and photography projects. These two young people have shown leadership and a willingness to always help in time of need. They are both very active in the 4-H program participating in numerous projects and community service activities.

In addition, Mrs. Peaches Conway was presented a 60 year Gold Star pin for her many years of volunteerism to the Shelby County 4-H program. Mrs. Conway was a Gold Star recipient in 1954 and has been active in supporting 4-H for the past 62 years.

The 4th Annual Taste of the Holidays, hosted by Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and presented by Shelby Savings Bank, will be held on Friday, November 4 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Windham Civic Center. Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, October 19 through Wednesday, November 2. Tickets are $25 per person which will cover both admission costs to the Taste of the Holidays and the Pinecone and Mistletoe Christmas Market for two days.

Tickets may be purchased at Shelby County Today, the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce or from any Chamber Ambassador. No tickets will be available at the door.

Participating in the exclusive Taste of the Holidays are local Chamber member restaurants, caterers, florists and other specialty businesses. Gold sponsors for the event are Specter, Inc. and Holiday Nursing Center.

The William Carroll Crawford Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas is hosting the Pinecone and Mistletoe Christmas Market Shopping Extravaganza with over 40 vendor booths showcasing Christmas décor and holiday artisan gifts on Friday, November 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 5 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Windham Civic Center.

The mission statement of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce is organized to promote and advance economic enrichment and development, tourism, and the social and civic interest of Shelby County and adjoining areas. For additional information, please call 936.598.3682, email info@shelbycountychamber.com or visit www.shelbycountychamber.com.

The SENIOR NUTRITION SITE will be hosting a cake walk fundraiser on October 28th !!!!The walk will start at11:00 A.M. and we will walk until all cakes are gone. We will accept any donation. There will be a $1.00 charge to walk eachtime we start over a new game.Anyoneis welcome to come and also anyone is more than welcome to donate a cake tohelp this event be successful, but you DONOT have to bring a cake to be able to walk. Just bring a dollar or two and enjoy the fun!If you have anyquestions, please call the Nutrition Site at 936-598-7768 and ask for Mrs.Betty Bailey or Brandi Emanis.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of Johnie Gamble IV.

SCSO Lieutenant Kevin Windham was contacted Sept. 26 by Sheri Moore Miller in reference to a softball tournament hosted by Gamble on behalf of her son who was recently diagnosed with cancer. Miller stated the tournament was held Aug. 27 and approximately $1,000 was raised to help the family with medical expenses.

Miller told Lt. Windham that the money was to be deposited into a GoFund Me account established for her son. Miller stated she and her husband had both spoke to Gamble concerning the money and he stated he would give them the money.

On Sept. 26, Lt. Windham spoke with Gamble and gave him the opportunity to come to the SCSO and provide a statement but Gamble chose not to do so.Gamble stated to Lt. Windham that he had not given the money to Miller because he was going to put himself and his family before others.

Gamble was arrested Oct. 18 at his residence in Joaquin. He was charged with Exploitation of a Child, Elderly or Disabled Person (F3) W#1118-16 and Resisting Arrest (MA). Gamble bonded out Oct. 19 on $13,000 total bonds.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in the whereabouts of Christina Tarver.

Tarver was last seen at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Oct. 10. At 4:30 a.m. on Oct. 10 Tarver’s mother, Larenda Murphy, received a Facebook message from Tarver stating that she had left with friends and to not worry.

Murphy told SCSO Deputy Jim Ed Matthews Tarver recently turned 18 and had just moved back home after living in Lufkin.Numerous attempts by Deputy Matthews to contact friends of Tarver have not revealed any new information on her whereabouts.

Tarver is described a 5’7”, 140-pound white female with hazel eyes and dirty blonde hair. She has freckles on her face and nose and tattoos on her right shoulder and right wrist.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Rangers are actively investigating this case. Anyone with any information on Tarver is asked to contact the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office at 936.598.5601.

TES Red Ribbon Week - Attached are the plans for the Timpson Elementary School celebration of Red Ribbon Week. The purpose of Red Ribbon Week is to encourage our students to be drug, alcohol and tobacco free.

The Shelbyville community mourns the loss of Jackie Cannon who was a football coach at Shelbyville High School from 1960 to 1965 before moving to Troup and coaching from 1966 to 1968.

Joe Tom Schillings, also a former Shelbyville ISD coach, reflected on Coach Cannon saying, "Coaching football at Shelbyville and Troup and playing at Stephen F. Austin was such a big part of his life. Coach Cannon was a Dragon and much loved by his players."

The 2016 Homecoming Queen will be crowned during pre-game ceremonies beginning at 5:30 on Saturday, October 22nd. The Tenaha High School student body choose four lovely young ladies as their class duchesses and five lovely young ladies as their student organizations’ sweethearts.

October 19, 2016 - My name is Jud Matthews, I am currently running for City of Center, City Council. I’ve had the privilege of living in Center for 35 years; as a child, young adult, adult, husband and father, and a small business owner. I am a 1999 Center High School graduate. I am the son of Retired Center Police Chief, Jimmy Matthews and the late Barbara Matthews. My wife of 9 years and I are raising our three children here. Center is a great place, but it didn’t get this way by accident and we need leadership that will protect the future of our community. Our city council has met the high standards our families and neighborhoods deserve: A safe place to raise a family, an ideal location for business, and a premier place to live.

Leadership is needed to develop responsible plans to keep our city financially secure while prioritizing vital services like public safety. Promoting local business success and jobs will increase our tax base and make it possible for us to meet our goals.

I pledge to tackle our challenges head-on and help Center to continue thriving. I’d be honored to serve as councilman. Please call me anytime, 936-572-1808.

President Joe Anderson called the Golden Harvest Ministries Club to order at 11:30 am at the Fellowship Hall of the First Baptist Church in Center on October 17. Joe welcomed members and recognized visitors. Harold Hanson led the group in singing several hymns. Alice West accompanied on the piano with a group of members singing "On The Jericho Road." Celebrating October birthdays were Vance Green and Ruby Switzer.

Danny Brown blessed the food and gave thanks for the food preparation, and members and guests enjoyed the luncheon and fellowship.

Sandra Davis, Library Director, and Kathy Sawyer, Grant Manager, of the Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library spoke about what is available at our local library. The library's mission is to maintain and improve the quality of life for all citizens of the community by providing resources that contribute to the individual knowledge, enlightenment, and enjoyment in the most efficient and user friendly manner possible. They especially recognize the responsibility to serve as a place for children to discover the joy of reading and the value of libraries.

Secretary Ellen Manning read the September minutes, and Treasurer Betty Green gave the financial report.

Linda Anderson reminded members to bring items to the November meeting to benefit the Shelby County Advocacy Center.

Ann forbes discussed those on the prayer report, and members remembered all in a special prayer led by David Bain. Ann encouraged all to visit those in our area nursing home. Joe Anderson gave the final prayer.

In the second match of the day against SWCC, Rachel Henderson racked up 11 kills on .667 hitting, freshman right side Melanie Casteel picked up her career high in kills with 8, and Sahadeo added 6 kills and 4 blocks. Freshman setter Cayman Sutton led with 19 assists, and sophomore libero Morgan Currie chipped in 7 digs.

The five sophomores who are completing their last season with Panola Volleyball this fall were honored after the match. This accomplished group includes Cyrani Butler, Victoria Baptista, Morgan Currie, Rachel Henderson, and Ana Oliveira.

Please read below for more information about our sophomores and their accomplishments:

#4 Cyrani Butler; Defensive Specialist; Coral Gables, FL

Butler has appeared in 29 sets, tallying 23 digs and 7 service aces. Just this morning, she led the team with 4 service aces in the victory against Mountainview College. Cyrani is currently majoring in communications and is set to graduate from Panola College this spring before continuing her education at a university. While there, she plans to major in Kinesiology with plans of becoming a publicist in her future.

Victoria Baptista; Outside Hitter; Sao Paulo, BRA

Baptista has played a crucial role for Panola Volleyball as a 6-rotation outside hitter since her freshman year, appearing in 63 matches over the past 2 seasons. She was named Honorable Mention All-Conference her freshman season at PC, in which she finished with 187 kills, 385 digs, and 59 total blocks. This year, she has taken her offense to a new level, already tallying 193 kills for 2.10 per set, and finishing with 9 or more kills in 12 matches this season. Defensively, Victoria has continued to impress as a sophomore currently ranking 3rd on the team in digs per set and 4th in blocks per set. Baptista is currently majoring in Business with plans to continue her education and playing career at a university where she will major in economics after her graduation from Panola this May.

Morgan Currie; Libero; Bryan, TX

Currie has appeared in 62 total matches anchoring our floor defense as libero for the past two years. As a freshman, her 4.47 digs per set, 594 total digs and 24 service aces earned her 1st Team All- Conference recognition as well as the prestigious “Libero of the Year” superlative for Region XIV-North. As a sophomore, Morgan is averaging 4.12 digs per set and is coming off of an impressive stretch where she posted 15 or more digs in 6 of the last 10 matches, including three 20+ dig performances. After graduation from Panola this May, Morgan will continue her playing career and education at a university where she plans to major in Architecture with dreams of becoming an architect or owning her own business one day.

Rachel Henderson; Middle Blocker; Ft Worth, TX

Henderson made her physical presence at the net early playing in a starting role as a freshman at Right Side. Last year she was third on the team in kills with 1.88 per set and third on the team in blocks with 1.02, earning Honorable Mention All-Conference. This year she has expanded her role offensively, currently 2nd on the team averaging 2.29 kills per set for a .343 hitting clip, and leading the team with 1.13 blocks per set. She reached her season high of 13 kills twice now, both in huge 5-game wins on the road at Navarro and Tyler. Rachel is currently majoring in Kinesiology with coaching aspirations, and plans to pursue her playing career and education at a university upon graduating from Panola this spring.

Ana Oliveira; Outside Hitter; Sao Paulo, BRA

A crucial component to Panola’s success the past two years, Oliveira appeared in all 39 matches as a 6-rotation outsider hitter before expanding her role to all include setter for the 2015 Regional Tournament after an injury sidelined the team’s starting setter. She was 2nd on the team in kills that year with 829 on the season, also finishing with 202 assists, 41 service aces, 39 blocks and 374 total digs. Her contributions earned her 2nd Team All-Conference honors as a freshman, followed by Region XIV All-Tournament honors highlighted by a gutsy performance that spearheaded the inspiring comeback down 14-10 in game 5 against Wharton County in the opening round. This year, she leads the team in kills per set with 2.33 on an impressive .336 hitting clip. She has also contributed 31 services aces and 300 total digs in an all-around effort to lead her team this year, highlighted by a Most Valuable Player weekend at the Lee College Invitational in Baytown. Majoring in general studies and graduating from Panola in May, Ana will continue her playing career and education in Kinesiology at a school yet to be decided.

This year’s sophomore class has taken the program to new heights, earning national recognition defeating perennial powerhouses: Blinn College, TJC, Central Florida, San Jacinto, Miami Dade, Missouri State-West Plains and Iowa Western throughout their Panola career. Together, they have amassed a total record of 57-11, and it’s through their hard work and dedication that PC volleyball is currently ranked #1 in the country.

Sunday was the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost. We are nearing the end of the Christian year, and a new year will soon begin. On October 30th, we Protestants will celebrate Reformation Sunday and the next day, All Hallowed Saints Eve. Then the first day of the new month is the wonderful Christian holy day—All Saints Day. Christians around the world will remember the saints that died during this past year and also all the saints that have kept the faith alive throughout the years. So, weeks have gone by since the last Christian Holy Day—Pentecost-- and suddenly there is furry of celebrations that were so important to our Christian forefathers and mothers. One is a holy day that answers Walter Bruggerman’s question, “Will the faith have children?” All Saints Day is a strong and emphatic YES!

Our scripture for our Sunday school lesson was Hebrews 4:14-5:10, where Paul speaks about an obscure figure from Genesis—Melchizedek. This warrior-king, priest, and prophet showed kindness as Abraham and his family were on their long trek to the land that God promised them. Paul says that Jesus is our High Priest in the tradition of Melchizedek. Fannie, as always, kept us on point and did a wonderful job with a sometimes puzzling scripture.

The Gospel Lesson that served as one of my two sermon scriptures is also a puzzling one. Luke 18:1-8 is the short parable Jesus told about the unjust bullying judge and the persistent widow. There could not be a greater contrast in story characters. The judge had power and wealth and the widow had nothing—no husband, no inheritance, no future. And yet through her refusal to live in the status quo and her continued call for justice, she overcame the mean judge whose job was to uphold the status quo. Even though life had been tough for the widow, she lived in the Kingdom of God . Jesus said this about the Kingdom: “The Kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For in fact, the Kingdom of God is among you—within you.” The Kingdom resided within the widow and that made all the difference in her life.

Larry was back from a family reunion in Arkansas and said that Rose and he had a great time. But since Arkansas hasn’t had a frost, the trees hadn’t changed yet. I agree with Larry that once autumn comes to Arkansas , the changing color of the leaves rivals New England .

I head back to the doctor Monday to have my other eye worked on. Carolyn will also have her second eye worked on Monday, and I hope all goes well with her. Having the cataract removed from my right eye and a new lens implanted has made a world of difference. I hope my left eye is as successful.

Each year Methodist pastors have to fill out a self-evaluation. I have filled out the same evaluation for the last seventeen years, so it is hard to come up with something new. It really reminds me of school. I served as a teacher and principal and was on both sides of the evaluation process. I remember a dear, sweet High School teacher who was nearing the end of her career. She told the principal, “I’m no better or worse than I was last year.” Everyone who taught with her knew that wasn’t true—she was an inspiration to us all, but evaluations year after year do get tedious. The church members also fill out a yearly evaluation, and I appreciate their hard work.

This Tuesday is our ministry at Holiday Nursing Center . Then a week from this Thursday will be our ministry at Lakeside Village . Both are at 2:00 and everyone is welcome. Our little congregation is so thankful for the many volunteers from other churches who come to visit, tell stories, share ideas, and sing.

“Whoever you are, in whatever faith you were born, whatever creed you profess; if you come to this house to find God you are welcome here.” Paxton United Methodist Church is an inviting church that takes to heart the idea of “Open Doors, Open Hearts, Open Minds.” Sunday School starts at 9:30 and Worship begins at 10:00. Our email address is paxtonumc@yahoo.com. If you would like the weekly email newsletter about Paxton Methodist you can send me your email address to the Paxton email address and I will add you to the list. God’s Speed!

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) during National Teen Driver Safety Week (Oct. 16-22) to urge young drivers to put safety first when behind the wheel.

“Driving can be one of the most dangerous things Texans do on a daily basis – and can pose even more risks for inexperienced or young drivers,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “All drivers have a fundamental responsibility help keep our roads safe, and teens can play a significant role in that effort. DPS is urging teens to use extra caution and always obey traffic laws in order to protect themselves, their passengers and others from possible injury or death.”

According to the NHTSA, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in teens, ahead of all other types of injury, disease or violence. In 2015, more than 81,900 drivers ages 15-19 were involved in traffic crashes on Texas roadways.

DPS and the NHTSA offer the following tips to help teen drivers stay safe:

Don’t drink and drive. (Reminder – the drinking age in Texas is 21.)

Buckle up everyone in the vehicle – it’s the law.

Avoid distracted driving – including using mobile devices, eating or anything that takes your attention off the road.

Obey posted speed limits and drive to road conditions.

Avoid having more than one passenger at a time.

DPS also is reminding student drivers about the Impact Texas Teen Driver (ITTD) program requirement for driver license applicants who take a teen driver education course – including Parent Taught Driver Education. (Individuals aged 18-24, who choose to complete a teen driver education course, must also complete the ITTD program.)

ITTD should be completed after the driver education course classroom hours and all behind-the-wheel instruction, and it is the last step before taking the driving skills examination. The two-hour ITTD program contains several videos that provide awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.

For a video overview about the ITTD program, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fgu1bUrUo9o. For more detailed information about ITTD, visit http://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/ittdPrgm.htm.

For more information about National Teen Driver Safety Week, visit www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/teen-safety/national-teen-d....

The Stephen F. Austin State University School of Art will host two exhibitions – a showcase of alumni art work and an exhibition of artist books from the Booklyn Gallery – Oct. 27 through Jan. 14 in The Cole Art Center at The Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches.

A reception for the double opening with artists in attendance is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at Cole Art Center. The exhibitions are a presentation of the Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine arts and School of Art.

The mixed media “SFA Alumni Showcase” will be the first of its kind in several decades and will feature a variety of paintings, sculpture and other work, according to Gary Parker, retired SFA School of Art instructor and the curator of the show.

“I left it up to the individual artist to curate their own section,” Parker said. “I gave each artist a certain amount of wall space and all the floor space they wanted, but most will be traditional work.”

Parker has been an advocate of an alumni exhibition for many years. After his retirement, Parker was asked by the School of Art to turn his idea into a show that he would curate.

“I’m glad we’re doing this, and I hope it becomes a biennial event,” Parker said. “I think there are enough SFA art alums out there who are doing good things that we could feature them in this way for years to come.

“I want current students to be aware that there is a future for them in art, if they go get it,” he said. “They need to understand there is life after graduation, and that they can pursue an art career and be successful at it. If you have examples in front of you from previous students who have succeeded, it’s encouraging.”

Keeping up with alumni across the country who have had thriving art careers is important for not only recruiting purposes, but also for documenting SFA’s history of generating successful artists, Parker said.

“That’s what current students need to see,” he said. “Not only does this give validity to SFA itself, but it gives students a certain amount of hope for the future.”

“Artist Books from the Booklyn Gallery: High Performance Printmaking,” the second exhibition, addresses the evolution of printmaking in the 21st century. The exhibition proposes that printmaking in the 21st century “will thrive as a social practice moving beyond the pop, decorative and empty abstraction that defines the commodity-driven ‘fine’ print world, and continuing to further the goals of socially engaged and experimental printmakers ranging from Goya to Judy Watson and beyond,” states Marshall Weber, curator of the exhibition.

“I propose that there is room for an urgent, attentive, attached, and ‘awoke’ printmaking practice,” Weber said, “… a practice that engages with the world both passionately and compassionately and has commitments to aesthetic integrity and social and ecological justice. In these artists’ work, aspects of public and private performance, of choreography and gesture, are a crucial conceptual and/or material part of the printmaking process.”

The Booklyn Gallery is an artist-run, nonprofit artist and bookmakers’ organization headquartered in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York.

Exhibitions are sponsored in part by the SFA Friends of the Visual Arts and Nacogdoches Junior Forum. Admission is free.

The Cole Art Center is located at 329 E. Main St. Gallery hours are 12:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call (936) 468-1131.

The cost of the program is $30 for preregistered attendees and $35 on the day of the event. RSVP with payment by Nov. 4 to preregister. Mail registration to Nacogdoches County Extension Office, 203 W. Main St, Nacogdoches TX. 75961.

Five IPM units will be available including one integrated pest management, one drift minimization, one laws and regulations and two general.

In order to comply with FSA program eligibility requirements, all producers are encouraged to visit the Nacogdoches USDA Service Center to file an accurate crop certification report by the applicable deadline. Reporting deadlines vary by crop.

The deadline to report pasture and hay acreage for 2017 is November 15, 2016. Timely reporting of your grass acreages will prevent you from incurring late file fees.

The following exceptions apply to the above acreage reporting date:

If the crop has not been planted by the above acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 15 calendar days after planting is completed.

If a producer acquires additional acreage after the above acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 30 calendars days after purchase or acquiring the lease. Appropriate documentation must be provided to the county office.

If a perennial forage crop is reported with the intended use of “cover only,” “green manure,” “left standing,” or “seed” then the acreage must be reported by July 15th.

FBC Timpson will be hosting a Timpson Community Fall Festival. All the activities will take place from 6:00pm - 8:00pm on Monday, October 31, 2016 in the Family Life Center of First Baptist Church.

This will be a great time of food, fun, and fellowship. Your kids won’t have to go from house to house asking for candy or to have a good time. There will be more Free candy, Free food, and Free prizes than they will know what to do with!! There will also be some games for the adults as well.

Center Motor Company and the Center Athletic Boosters are partnering together to host the "Lincoln Driven to Give" event. This event will take place on Friday, October 21, from 4 pm - 10 pm, in the FL Moffett parking lot behind Roughrider Stadium.

Center Motor Company will be set up for all Roughrider football fans to come and test drive a new Lincoln vehicle. All drivers must have a valid DL and be at least 18 years of age. For each test drive, Ford Motor Company will donate $20 to the Center Athletic Booster Club.

Come out and support your Roughriders by participating in this Lincoln Drive Event.

Sardis Pentecostal Church is hosting a Fall Festival October 29th at 4:30pm. Come and bring your whole family for a time of fun, food and great fall activities for all ages! Children are welcome to dress up and get some treats at our trunk-or-treat. We will eat some great food at 5:30, at 6:30 we will have cake walks, and come dark there will be a hay ride for the little and big kids! We will also have a jump house and a blow up obstacle course for the kids to enjoy. Hope to see you there!

Saturday, October 22, the 2016 Homecoming Queen will be crowned during pre-game ceremonies beginning at 5:30. The Tenaha High School student body choose four lovely young ladies as their class duchesses and five lovely young ladies as their student organizations’ sweethearts.

The Homecoming Court will be featured in the Homecoming parade which will begin at 1pm in downtown Tenaha.

The Tigers will take on the Grapeland Sandies in The Pit at 6pm. There will be a cake auction during the game benefiting the Tenaha High School Senior class. Also, immediately following the game there will be a Homecoming Dance in the High School Cafetorium for 7th grade through 12th grade students only.

All Homecoming activities schedule:

· Senior Class Luncheon on the Square from 11am-1:30 pm

· Homecoming Parade 1:00 pm

· Hall of Honor Ceremony in the Cafetorium at 4:30 pm

· Pre-game Activities 5:30pm-6:00 pm

· Tigers vs Grapeland Sandies in The Pit-6:00 pm

The 2016 Tenaha ISD Hall of Honor Inductees Named

A time honored tradition continues at Tenaha Independent School District. Tenaha ISD recognizes those that have displayed outstanding dedication and commitment to their community. Through the years numerous members have been initiated into the Hall of Honor.

The process begins with nominations from members of the community. A committee then begins the difficult task of deciding who will be chosen. This year’s committee is proud to announce that Terry Bowlin and Randy Jackson is the 2016 Hall of Honor Inductees.

Terry Bowlin Hall of Honor Pic..jpg

Pictured above, Terry Bowlin, 2016 Hall of Honor Inductee

Terry Bowlin has been a resident of Tenaha since the 1980s. She is a graduate of Center High School and graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1989 with a Bachelor’s degree then completed her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership in 2008.

Terry has been a trusted and loyal member of the Tenaha Independent School District for twenty-seven years. She has served many roles at Tenaha ISD. She taught special education, 5th grade, served as the Reading First Grant coordinator and Elementary Principal for five years before taking over as Special Education Director. Terry’s loyalty and willingness to serve all the students of TISD has been her greatest contribution. She truly “bleeds maroon” and has served as a strong “right hand” to two Tenaha superintendents. Terry was also instrumental in founding the renowned Tiger Café and is always on hand to serve the fans and Tenaha community. A career shrouded in praise and awards, including the District’s Most Valuable Employee in 2012, Terry Bowlin’s efforts have truly made TISD the standard bearer in public education.

Together with her husband Bryan, they have two children, Emily, who graduated in 2007 as Valedictorian and Wade, who graduated in 2008 also as Valedictorian.

Randy Jackson.png

Pictured above, Randy Jackson, 2016 Hall of Honor Inductee.

Randy Jackson is a 1985 graduate of Tenaha High School. He is a twenty-six year veteran of education as a coach and teacher. He has been an outstanding career of head football coach for sixteen years with a record of 133 wins and 61 losses. Randy has led programs of all classification in Texas, including his first job at 1A Paducah in West Texas and eventually to 5A Mesquite Poteet and 6A Plano East.

Randy was named the Texas 4A Coach of the Year in 2010 when he led the Mesquite Poteet to a 12-3 semi-final appearance. The two years prior to his arrival the Pirates struggled with a 1-19 record. He is currently the head football coach and boys’ coordinator in Grapevine where he is in his third year.

In 2015 Randy was the recipient of the coveted Tom Landry Award. The award exemplifies a coach’s team for winning on and off the field.

Randy continues to strive to be the best on and off the field. Years of experience and success led Randy to recently writing his first book titled, Culture Defeats Strategy-7 Lessons on Leadership from a Texas High School Coach. The book is set for release in December.

Randy has been married to his wife, Shannon, for twenty-one years. She is a middle school math teacher at Colleyville Middle School. They have two children: Russ, 16 and Katie, 15. Both attend Grapevine High School.

Homecoming Fun Week:

Monday was Twin Day

Year Books Available:

There are extra 2015-2016 Tiger yearbooks available for purchase. Full-color, 130 pages of Tenaha Tiger highlights for $40.00.

Contact Ali Tyner (tynerali@tenahaisd.com) or you can bring money to campus office.

Jheri-Lynn McSwain, County Extension Agent of Shelby County, Texas was honored recently at the National Extension Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS) 2016 annual session. She received the 3rd place National and 1st place Region Florence Hall Award at the conference held on September 12, 2016 in Big Sky, Montana. In receiving the award, McSwain was recognized for her Step Up and Scale Down program conducted during 2014 and 2015. This 12-week weight management program was designed to address two factors behind the obesity issue: physical activity and diet. During this time frame, McSwain had 167 participants that lost over 1,090 pounds of weight and had a positive change in diet as reflected through pre- and post-survey data. McSwain presented the success from this project to elected officials and stakeholders as well as other agents across the state of Texas. She interpreted the Shelby County model to representatives of the Texas Association of Counties and as a result Step Up and Scale Down has been adopted as part of the 2016 statewide Healthy County program.

The Florence Hall Award is presented for an outstanding program conducted by one or more NEAFCS members who have been alert in recognizing new concerns and interests of families and have involved people in planning and implementing programs that benefit families. Miss Florence Hall, Regional Field Agent-Eastern States initiated the award in 1952 to recognize outstanding accomplishments of NEAFCS members.

In addition, McSwain received the 1st place National and 1st place Region Written News Communication Award. The Written News Communication Award encourages excellence in communication for a news article or a special feature story or a personal column. McSwain wrote and had published in the local media a press release entitled, “Who are the Biggest Losers of Weight in Shelby County” on July 22, 2014. The press release was published to recognize the top three highest percentage of weight lost by participants in her Step Up and Scale Down program. Jheri-Lynn McSwain’s commitment to meeting the needs of individuals, families and communities is exemplary.

Saturday, October 22, the 2016 Homecoming Queen will be crowned during pre-game ceremonies beginning at 5:30. The Tenaha High School student body choose four lovely young ladies as their class duchesses and five lovely young ladies as their student organizations’ sweethearts.

The Homecoming Court will be featured in the Homecoming parade which will begin at 1pm in downtown Tenaha.

The Tigers will take on the Grapeland Sandies in The Pit at 6pm. There will be a cake auction during the game benefiting the Tenaha High School Senior class. Also, immediately following the game there will be a Homecoming Dance in the High School Cafetorium for 7th grade through 12th grade students only.

A time honored tradition continues at Tenaha Independent School District. Tenaha ISD recognizes those that have displayed outstanding dedication and commitment to their community. Through the years numerous members have been initiated into the Hall of Honor.

The process begins with nominations from members of the community. A committee then begins the difficult task of deciding who will be chosen. This year’s committee is proud to announce that Terry Bowlin and Randy Jackson is the 2016 Hall of Honor Inductees.

Pictured above, Terry Bowlin, 2016 Hall of Honor Inductee

Terry Bowlin has been a resident of Tenaha since the 1980s. She is a graduate of Center High School and graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1989 with a Bachelor’s degree then completed her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership in 2008.

Terry has been a trusted and loyal member of the Tenaha Independent School District for twenty-seven years. She has served many roles at Tenaha ISD. She taught special education, 5th grade, served as the Reading First Grant coordinator and Elementary Principal for five years before taking over as Special Education Director. Terry’s loyalty and willingness to serve all the students of TISD has been her greatest contribution. She truly “bleeds maroon” and has served as a strong “right hand” to two Tenaha superintendents. Terry was also instrumental in founding the renowned Tiger Café and is always on hand to serve the fans and Tenaha community. A career shrouded in praise and awards, including the District’s Most Valuable Employee in 2012, Terry Bowlin’s efforts have truly made TISD the standard bearer in public education.

Together with her husband Bryan, they have two children, Emily, who graduated in 2007 as Valedictorian and Wade, who graduated in 2008 also as Valedictorian.

Pictured above, Randy Jackson, 2016 Hall of Honor Inductee.

Randy Jackson is a 1985 graduate of Tenaha High School. He is a twenty-six year veteran of education as a coach and teacher. He has been an outstanding career of head football coach for sixteen years with a record of 133 wins and 61 losses. Randy has led programs of all classification in Texas, including his first job at 1A Paducah in West Texas and eventually to 5A Mesquite Poteet and 6A Plano East.

Randy was named the Texas 4A Coach of the Year in 2010 when he led the Mesquite Poteet to a 12-3 semi-final appearance. The two years prior to his arrival the Pirates struggled with a 1-19 record. He is currently the head football coach and boys’ coordinator in Grapevine where he is in his third year.

In 2015 Randy was the recipient of the coveted Tom Landry Award. The award exemplifies a coach’s team for winning on and off the field.

Randy continues to strive to be the best on and off the field. Years of experience and success led Randy to recently writing his first book titled, Culture Defeats Strategy-7 Lessons on Leadership from a Texas High School Coach. The book is set for release in December.

Randy has been married to his wife, Shannon, for twenty-one years. She is a middle school math teacher at Colleyville Middle School. They have two children: Russ, 16 and Katie, 15. Both attend Grapevine High School.

The Panola College Choral Department will present a fall concert at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 25, in the Q.M. Martin Auditorium. Please join the Panola Chorale, Chamber Singers, and Pipers for an evening of beautiful choral music.

AUSTIN - The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) during National Teen Driver Safety Week (Oct. 16-22) to urge young drivers to put safety first when behind the wheel.

"Driving can be one of the most dangerous things Texans do on a daily basis - and can pose even more risks for inexperienced or young drivers," said DPS Director Steven McCraw. "All drivers have a fundamental responsibility help keep our roads safe, and teens can play a significant role in that effort. DPS is urging teens to use extra caution and always obey traffic laws in order to protect themselves, their passengers and others from possible injury or death."

According to the NHTSA, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in teens, ahead of all other types of injury, disease or violence. In 2015, more than 81,900 drivers ages 15-19 were involved in traffic crashes on Texas roadways.

DPS and the NHTSA offer the following tips to help teen drivers stay safe:

* Don't drink and drive. (Reminder - the drinking age in Texas is 21.)

* Buckle up everyone in the vehicle - it's the law.

* Avoid distracted driving - including using mobile devices, eating or anything that takes your attention off the road.

* Obey posted speed limits and drive to road conditions.

* Avoid having more than one passenger at a time.

DPS also is reminding student drivers about the Impact Texas Teen Driver (ITTD) program requirement for driver license applicants who take a teen driver education course - including Parent Taught Driver Education. (Individuals aged 18-24, who choose to complete a teen driver education course, must also complete the ITTD program.)

ITTD should be completed after the driver education course classroom hours and all behind-the-wheel instruction, and it is the last step before taking the driving skills examination. The two-hour ITTD program contains several videos that provide awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.

AUSTIN - In conjunction with National School Bus Safety Week (Oct. 17-21), the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging drivers to comply with laws prohibiting the passing of school buses. During this period, DPS Highway Patrol troopers will be watching for drivers who violate the law and taking the appropriate enforcement action. It is illegal to pass any school bus that is stopped and operating a visual signal - either flashing red lights or a stop sign.

"Any time a driver disregards a stopped school bus, they put children's lives in danger, and DPS will not tolerate individuals who ignore the law, putting their own convenience before a child's safety," said DPS Director Steven McCraw. "In order to help keep children safe, we urge drivers to always obey the law and remain alert when traveling near a school bus or bus stops where students gather."

"The safety of our schoolchildren is always a priority at the Texas Education Agency. We appreciate the dedication by Texas Highway Patrol Troopers during National School Bus Safety week - and throughout the entire year - to help ensure our students have a safe trip to and from school," said Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath.

During National School Bus Safety Week, troopers in many areas will be riding on or following school buses to catch motorists who break the law. Because children are particularly vulnerable when entering or exiting a school bus, Troopers will also be patrolling areas where school buses pick up and drop off students, looking for motorists violating the school bus law. Drivers who violate the law could face fines as much as $1,250.

In 2015 and year to date in 2016, Texas Highway Patrol troopers have issued 1,093 tickets for passing a stopped school bus. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, failure to stop for a school bus was a contributing factor in 45 traffic crashes on Texas roadways last year.

According to Texas statute, a driver - traveling in either direction - must stop when approaching a school bus that is stopped and operating a visual signal. The driver may not proceed until one of the following occurs: the school bus resumes motion; the operator is signaled by the bus driver to proceed; or the visual signal is no longer activated.

If a road is divided only by a left-turning lane, drivers on both sides of the roadway must stop for school buses with alternating red flashing lights activated. However, if the lanes are separated by an intervening space or physical barrier, only motorists going in the same direction as the bus are required to stop.

(As a reminder, school buses, by law, must stop at all railroad crossings.)

Here are several safety measures drivers can take to help keep children safer:

* When driving in school zones, watch out for student pedestrians.

* Slow down and watch for children congregating near bus stops.

* Look for children who might dart into the street without looking for traffic.

* Know and obey the laws concerning traffic and school buses in Texas.

According to the Texas Education Agency, more than 42,000 school buses transport approximately 1.5 million Texas children every school day.

If during the course of the meeting, any discussion of items on the Agenda that should be held in executive or closed session, the Council will convene in executive or closed session, in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Government Code Section and Texas Revised Civil Statues.

Order of Business:

1.Call to Order

2.Roll Call

3.Pledge &Prayer

4.Public Comment

5.Review and Consider Approval of 2016-2017 Budgets for Water Account and General Account which includes separate budgets for Fines and Fire. - ACTION

THS Band News – The Timpson High School Marching Band competed on Saturday October 15 at the pre-UIL marching competition at the Carthage High School football stadium. On Saturday October 22 the band will march at the UIL Marching Contest at 10:45 a.m. at the Stephen F. Austin State University football stadium in Nacogdoches. On Saturday November 5 the band will compete at NAMMB (National Association of Military Marching Bands) contest in Hallsville. You are invited to attend these contests and support the Timpson High School Marching Band.

Timpson Veteran’s Day Program – American Legion Post 90 and Timpson IUSD announce the annual Veterans Day Program will be Friday, November 11 at 10:00 a.m. in the TISD high school gymnasium. The program will include posting of the colors ceremony, music by Master Sergeant Daniel C. Penhallegon, and the THS band, individual recognition of each veteran in attendance, presentation of flags to veterans by kindergarten/senior class and flag folding ceremony. The speaker for the event will be announced at a later date. All veterans are invited to attend. Timpson American Legion Post 90 officers:

Richard Hightower – Commander

James Cope – Vice Commander

Master Sergeant Daniel C. Penhallegon – 2nd Vice Commander

Richard Lundie – Adjutant/Hub Master

Doye Crump – Finance Officer/Sergeant at Arms

Mike Fodge – Chaplain

Jim Crump – Historian/Special Projects

Jessie Maynard – Sergeant at Arms

Student Safety – Currently, there are a large number of students that are not riding the bus home in the afternoon and are staying on campus to attend some type of event or practice that is scheduled for later in the day or evening. In order to ensure student safety, students are not allowed to be on campus in the afternoon unsupervised. Students that attend tutorials, practices and after school activities must report immediately to the area and supervisors that are in charge of the student activity. Any student that is on campus after the buses have run in the afternoon must be in the direct supervision of the sponsor. If a student is found not to be in the direct supervision of a sponsor, the student will need to call parents to be picked up immediately. If a parent cannot pick up the student, the campus police will take the student home. For the safety of our students, no student may stay after school and wait for athletic games as a spectator. Students that stay after school must be a participant and under the supervision of a sponsor. Student safety is a top priority. Therefore it is vital that no student be left unattended on campus. The district staff appreciates parents working with the staff to ensure all students are safely supervised at all times.

A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of Center Independent School District (CISD) was held on Thursday, October 13, 2016 beginning at 12:30 p.m. at Center Independent School District Administration Board Room located at located at 107 Private Road 605 in Center, Texas 75935.

1.Call Meeting to Order and Establish a Quorum

James Greer called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m. and declared a quorum.

Dan Wilkins gave the invocation and Sharon Nelson led the Pledges of Allegiance.

3.Public Hearing on “FIRST” Report

A public hearing on the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) report was held. Center ISD received a perfect score and a “Superior” rating for the 2014-2015 school year.

4.Public Comments/Audience Participation

None

5.Board Recognition

The Board recognized three members of the Board for their service to Center ISD. Sharon Nelson has served on the Board for 10 years, Stephen Shires served for seven years and Dan Wilkins has served on the Board for nine years.

6.Construction Projects Update

Danny Berry provided an update on the two (2) construction projects and the progress of each project.

Alease Copelin provided information on the Backpack program and the Flags to Fight Hunger program.

Alease Copelin was excited to announce a new program, the Campus Kitchen Food Recovery Program. Unused food is recycled from the cafeteria to provide an additional meal for the Meals on Wheels program. The unused food is handled according to food handling regulations, packaged and frozen, then distributed on Fridays for weekend meals.

8.Consent Agenda

A motion was made by Sharon Nelson, seconded by Daphne LaRock to approve the consent agenda consisting of the minutes from the regular meeting on September 15, 2016, Investment Report (September 2016); Tax Collection Report (September 2016); Financial Reports (September 2016); payment approval over $50,000 and Overnight Student Activity Trip.

The motion carried 6-0.

A motion was made by John Henry Holloway, seconded by Sharon Nelson Daphne LaRock to approve the budget amendments for employee compensation and benefits and to purchase a school bus.

The motion carried 6-0.

9.Authorize Administration to Solicit Proposals for Property and Fleet Insurance

A motion was made by Traci Willoughby, seconded by John Henry Holloway to authorize Administration to solicit proposals for property and fleet insurance.

The motion carried 6-0.

10.Board Resolution to Formally Name and Dedicate CHS Tennis Complex

A motion was made by Sharon Nelson, seconded by Traci Willoughby to formally name and dedicate the CHS Tennis Complex as the Coach Leon Dykes Center ISD Tennis Complex.

The motion carried 6-0.

11.Ribbon Cutting and Dedication Ceremony for CHS Tennis Complex on October 31, 2016 at 12:15 p.m.

Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the governing body of the above named City will be held on the 18th day of October, 2016 at 5:30 pm at the City Hall, 456 Jacob Street, Timpson, Texas, at which time the following subjects will be considered, to-wit:

1. Call to Order:

2.Invocation:

3.Pledge: United States Pledge, Texas Pledge

4.Chamber of Commerce: Chamber of Commerce, presented by Paul Smith.

5.Council Items: Reports by the members of the City Council on matters not on the

agenda will be made at this time. A total, not to exceed 10 minutes will be devoted

to these reports.

6.Presentations & Recognition:

The City of Timpson would like to present the Shelby County Children’s

Advocacy Center with a check in the amount of $589.55 (child safety fee)

and recognize the Center for their efforts in Child Abuse Prevention through

educational programs and events throughout the county. Robin Connell will

be in attendance to accept the donation.

7.Citizens Input: This time is provided for members of the public to address the City

Council on items that appear within the Consent and Action Items or a matter not

listed on the agenda. Each speaker is limited to 3 minutes. A Citizens Input Form

may be filled out and filed with the City Secretary prior to the meeting.

8. Department Reports:

A. Public Works Report: Larry Burns

B. Police Department Report: Kent Graham

C. Municipal Court Report: For the month of September 2016, there were 30

citations issued, 42 violations, 0 to juveniles and 0 to minors. Total amount

reported $10,286.02 the City’s portion a 55% estimate of $5,657.31.

D. City Secretary: Leslie Leathers

9. Consent Agenda: Items included under the Consent Agenda require little or no

Deliberation by the Council. Approval of the Consent Agenda authorizes the

City Secretary to proceed with the conclusion of each item as reflected in the

Minutes of this meeting.

A. Consider approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held on September 20, 2016

B. Consider approval of Financial Statement for the month of September, 2016

International Building Code, excluding paragraph 903.2.8 which states, “An

automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be

provided throughout all building with a Group R (residential) fire area.”

15. Discuss and possibly take action: Purchase the PDF version of the Complete

Collection of the 2009 International Building Codes at a cost of $778.00.

16. Adjourn:

The Council reserves the right to retire into executive session concerning any of the items listed on this agenda whenever it is considered necessary and is legally justified under the Open Meetings Act.

This facility is wheelchair accessible and wheelchair parking is available. Requests for accommodations or interpretive services must be made 48 hours prior to this meeting. Please contact the City Secretary at 254-2421 for further information or needed assistance.

This agenda is posted as required under Government Code Section 551.041. For more information or for a copy of the open meetings act, please contact the Attorney General of Texas at 1-800-252-8011 or the City Secretary at 936-254-2421.

City of Timpson

__________________________________________

Debra Pate Smith, Mayor

Certification

I certify that the above notice of meeting was posted on the bulletin boards at City Hall, 456 Jacob Street, Timpson, Texas and on the front door of the Timpson Police Department facing outside, on Thursday, October 13, 2016 at 1:00 pm.

_________________________________________

Leslie Leathers, City Secretary

I certify that the attached notice and agenda of items to be considered by the City Council was removed by me from the bulletin board in the City Hall and from the front door of the Timpson Police Department on the _______day of, _______________2016.

Notice is hereby given that a Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Tenaha Independent School District will be held on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 beginning at 5:30 p. m. in the Boardroom of the Administration office located at 138 College Street, Tenaha, Texas 75974.

The Subjects to be discussed or considered, or upon which any formal action may be taken are as follows: (Items do not have to be taken in the same order as shown on the meeting notice.)

1.Call to Order

2.Public Comment

3.Reports from the Administrators

(a.)Linda Jacobs, EE-5 Principal

(b.) Judy Monroe, 6-12 Principal

(c.)Scott Tyner, Superintendent

4.Consider for Approval the District’s Quarterly Investment Reports

5.Consider for Approval the 2016 Tax Levy

6.Consider for Approval the Tenaha Independent School District Improvement Plan

11.Consider for Approval Local Board Operating Procedures by KB Law Group

12.District Employees and Officers

(a.)Employment, Resignations, New Hire, and/or Discipline

(b.)Superintendent’s Evaluation

13.Consider for Approval a Resolution to Designate the Individuals Authorized to Sign on Accounts at First National Bank of Hughes Springs on Behalf of Tenaha ISD

14.Comments by Board Members

15.Adjournment

If, during the course of the meeting, discussion of any item on the agenda should be held in a closed meeting, the board will conduct a closed meeting in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Gov’t Code, Chapter 551, Subchapters D and E.

Tenaha ISD is hosting a shot/immunization clinic on Mon., Oct. 17th for PK-12 students. This is for ANY student that is behind on immunizations, as well as the MCV booster (bacterial meningitis) for SENIORS. This is a requirement for 12th graders planning on attending a college or a vocational school upon graduation. This is a FREE service to our students as long as paperwork is completed and returned.

Parents: be on the look-out for paperwork if your child is behind. All forms are due on OCTOBER 12th to allow the clinic to order the required materials for the upcoming clinic. Please take advantage of this service as it can save you money & time.

LUFKIN - A Trinity County TxDOT Maintenance employee is a recipient of the Texas Department of Transportation's Extra Mile Award after he helped a woman who was trapped in floodwaters recently.

Terry King, a contract inspector with the TxDOT Lufkin District, was honored with the award this week at the 90th Annual Transportation Short Course in College Station hosted by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute. The award is given each year to TxDOT employees who go above and beyond what is expected in stressful situations to help others. Texas Transportation Commissioner Laura Ryan and TxDOT Executive Director James Bass presented King with the award.

King was monitoring FM 1280 at Gayle Creek near Lovelady during a spring flood when an elderly woman approached the rising water in a small SUV. King advised the woman not to drive through the water, but she made the decision to attempt to maneuver through the rising water. The SUV was quickly washed from the roadway into a ditch where it became wedged against a fence.

The woman exited her vehicle and was barely able to stand in the rushing water. Seeing her stumble, King quickly positioned his TxDOT truck on the centerline of FM 1280 and exited his vehicle, wading into waist-deep water before reaching the woman. Pushing through the water himself, he took her by the arm, and helped her to the nearby TxDOT vehicle. He was then able to drive his TxDOT vehicle out of the water. The woman was uninjured and her car was towed from the scene.

Lufkin District Engineer Cheryl Flood said she is proud of King and other district employees who display courage and commitment.

"This past spring was extremely wet and kept our maintenance personnel very busy insuring the safety of the traveling public in many of our nine counties within the Lufkin District. Though these maintenance employees work all hours of the day and night monitoring high water, they never fail to go beyond their job duties to protect others, Flood said. "Terry King is another example of the dedication that TxDOT employees display in serving the people in East Texas and ensuring their safety. I'm so proud of Terry's actions to rescue this woman who exited her vehicle in a fast moving creek and then struggled to remain standing in the swift water. Terry's quick actions may have averted a tragic ending. He definitely went the extra mile to ensure the woman's safety, and this recognition is truly deserved."

King has been employed by TxDOT for 12 years.

For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov<mailto:Rhonda.OaksDonaldson@txdot.gov> or (936) 633-4395.

THS Homecoming Parade – The Timpson ISD High School homecoming parade was held Thursday October 8. The parade winners were:

· Best Elementary Float: First Grade “Skid Over the Bulldogs

· Best 6-12 Grade Float: Senior Class “Beary the Bulldogs”

· Most Spirit 7-12: Sophomore Class

· Most Spirit Elementary School: 4th & 5th Grade

· Best All Around Float: Timpson High School Football Players and Cheerleaders

Lady Bear Volleyball - The Timpson Lady Bears fell to district leader Carlisle(8-1), Tuesday in 4 sets 25-13,22-25,25-23,25-15. That puts our district record at 6-3 with 3 games to play. We travel to Leveretts Chapel tomorrow. I want to encourage the community to come out and support the Lady Bears on Tuesday when we honor our awesome senior class after our match vs Gary. This year’s Sr.'s are Molly Sanford, Cedesha Curtis, Holly Hughes and Ana Deleon. Our coaching staff is proud of the leadership and character the Sr. class has shown throughout their Lady Bear career. The district standings are:

Carlisle 8-1

Gary 7-2

Timpson 6-3

Overton 4-4

LC 3-5

San Augustine 2-6

Shelbyville 0-8

THS Constitution Week – As part of the Timpson High School Constitution study we will be printing essays students wrote about the Constitution. The attached essay is written by Timpson High School junior Connor Timmons titled “Amendment I – Why It’s Important”.

Texas State Technical College Chancellor and CEO Michael Reeser has announced that beginning on Nov. 1, 2016, the college will offer money-back guarantees to students who complete degrees in high-paying, high-demand technologies but fail to find jobs within six months of graduation.

TSTC students may apply to participate in the money-back program, which will be retroactive to fall 2016, during their first semester at school. Graduates earning associate degrees in Welding, Instrumentation, Electrical Lineworker, Diesel Equipment, and Electrical Power and Controls programs may be eligible for a refund if they fail to find a job in six months.

"This bold new initiative is certainly unconventional," said TSTC Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operations Officer Elton E. Stuckly Jr. "The notion of a money-back guarantee may be new in higher education, but we have an outstanding track record of 50 years in successfully placing skilled graduates in great jobs and with major employers in Texas who know the quality of our graduates. We've gotten so confident in our ability to serve the state as its technical provider that this guarantee is putting our money where our mouth is."

"Our unique mandate is to be Texas' technical provider," said TSTC Vice Chancellor and Chief Marketing Officer Jeff Kilgore. "We're doing something to help reverse the student debt crisis that is crippling many in our country. The biggest impact is going to be on the success of our students. We're doing this for our students and for the workforce of the state of Texas."

"There are many benefits to this, but the biggest impact it's going to have is on the success of our students," Reeser said. "Families in Texas can send their kids to school confident in the fact that they aren't going to be burdened by extraordinary debt or lost interest payments if they fail to get a job."

The money-back guarantee is a part of TSTC's Get-a-Job program, a comprehensive extracurricular development program in which students learn the skills they'll need to locate and land a great-paying job.

"Colleges focus on giving students the skills they need to be successful in their job," said Reeser. "The Get-a-Job program teaches students the skills they need to land that job. At a time when some colleges are going out of business because their practices are not leading to gainful employment, TSTC is putting its guarantee behind the job-placement promise that students receive when they sign up for these high-demand programs."

"An increasing trend in Texas families is to seek a higher-ed option that offers the best value for the tuition and time invested," said Kilgore. "TSTC is putting its guarantee in place to demonstrate that if you don't get a job, you'll get your money back. This is a contribution to addressing the growing disparity between increasing student debt and decreasing employment rates among college graduates."

"We think the fact that TSTC offers a money-back guarantee in these high-demand programs will make it easier for families to make their college selection," said Kilgore. "Families are increasingly concerned about what they get for their college tuition dollar. If the employment goals of the student are not achieved, they'll be getting those tuition dollars back."

Additional information about the program will be available on Nov. 1 at tstc.edu.

We have a front that is slowing and will likely stall over us thru Saturday. For those of us South of IH 20....slim to none as far as rain chances go.

We will continue to see low level moisture and light winds from the Gulf keeping the humidity up. Our temperatures will remain above normal for this time of the year. Mid to upper 80's for the day time and mid to upper 60's during the evenings. We are continuing to see dry conditions increasing in our pasture lands and road easements so open flames should be watched closely to be sure no sparks ignite those areas of concern.

Mid week we should see another front, a shift in our winds to the NNE, cooler temperatures in the day and evenings, lower humidity, and better chances for rain. This will occur mainly Wednesday morning through late Thursday evening. Only 1/2 - 3/4 inches is forecast. Right now, any moisture would be welcome as we are 3+ inches below for October on top of a very dry September.

Tropics:-Hurricane Nicole has made a rapid turn out to sea and will not impact the US.-All is quiet out in the Atlantic behind Nicole and no development is expected for the next 10 days to 2 weeks. That said...Hurricane season for the Atlantic extends thru November.

Mark your Calendar's* Sunday, November 6th, we gain our lost hour back. Set your clocks back one hour at 2:00am as we switch back to Standard time.

The 2016 Texas Association of Bass Clubs held their State Championship September 24-25th on Lake Livingston Reservoir. 24 bass clubs were represented from across the state of Texas and the Shelby County Bass Anglers proved once again that they are the best in the state!

There has never been a club to win back to back titles since the inception of the TABC in 1970. The SCBA captured their first state championship last year on Lake Falcon. Members of the 2016 SCBA State Championship team were as follows (bottom l to r): Lance Hughes, Ricky Sims, David Koonce, Darren Wiggins; (standing l to r) Josh Sowell, Jason Wells, Jacob Permenter, and Cody Barton.

Shelbyville FFA students will showcase some of their class projects at Shelbyville's own "Happenings at Shelbyville Hill Fest" on Saturday, October 15, 2016. The students invite you to come by their area and see their work.

We are getting very dry and need to pay particular attention to outdoor burning, proper care of camp fires, outdoor open grilling, and where we extinguish our lighted inhalants.

Yesterday, I did see wet pavement in Nacogdoches and near Chireno on hwy 21.

Yes, it is warmer with the humidity streaming in on those southerly sea breezes off of the Gulf. It is likely that the actual temps will range in the mid 80's during the day, but it will feel 5 degrees warmer with the humidity. We will only cool into the mid 60's during the evening hours. All of this does give us some 20-30% chances for widely scattered showers through the next week. Very little accumulation.

Be sure to look at the San Augustine Elementary School's Demo and Teaching Garden. The San Augustine County Master Gardeners and the SA County 4H ers did a great job holding a work day to get it looking better than ever. The Veggie Garden area is now a holding bed for our Spring bloomers donated to us by Stephen F. Austin University.

Friday Release Time – Timpson ISD will release on Friday October 14th at 3:00 p.m.

TVFD to Visit TES – The Timpson Volunteer Fire Department will put on a demonstration for Timpson Elementary students on Thursday October 13th at 9:00 a.m. about fire safety for fire prevention week. Students will also get to see a fire truck and the firemen dressed in uniform.

THS Yearbook - Friday, Oct. 14 is the deadline for the first yearbook sale for 2016-17 at the price of $40.00. The next sale price will be increased to $45.00. If you would like to reserve your copy, contact Danielle Smith at dsmith@timpsonisd.com<mailto:dsmith@timpsonisd.com> or order online at jostensyearbooks.com.

TMS Honor Roll - Attached is Timpson Middle School’s first six weeks honor roll. Congratulations to all students who worked hard to achieve this honor.

Timpson FFA News - The Shelby County Poultry Festival was held in on October 8th. Timpson FFA had seven pens of chickens in the show - Exhibitors include- Amanda Yates, Logan Yates, Carter Ramsey, Ashlynn Lindgren, Mason Ramsey, Emma Ramsey and Madelyn Ramsey. Congratulations to Ashlynn Lindgren for making the premium sale! Quick Stop and Austin Bank purchased Ashlynn's chickens for $2,499.

Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Circus for October 17th with show times at 5:00 & 7:30 PM. Everyone is invited to come see the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus under the big top in So So Park, Timpson Texas. Tickets are on sale at the Timpson Library in advance for $10 adults and $7 child/senior and will be available day of the circus $13 adults and $8 child/senior.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors invite the public to join them at a relocation ribbon cutting for AT&T, owner Bill Patton, on Tuesday, October 18 at 10:00 a.m. at their new location in Hilltop Marketplace at 854 Hurst Street, Suite 100, in Center. Refreshments will be served and for those present there will be a drawing for a chance to win one of three prizes.

Allcom, an AT&T authorized retailer, is celebrating 14 years in Shelby County, where they provide integrated services such as mobile phones, mobile services, related accessories and DirecTV. AT&T has experienced staff members that provide customer service and sales of new products.

For more information please contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at (936) 598-3682 or info@shelbycountychamber.com.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors invite the public to join them for a new member ribbon cutting for Taqueria Los Girasoles, owner Manuel Leon, on Friday, October 21 at 11:00 a.m. at 181 US Hwy 96 North in Center. Refreshments will be served.

Taqueria Los Girasoles is a restaurant with a large variety Mexican food menu.

For more information please contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at (936) 598-3682 or info@shelbycountychamber.com.

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Postal Service today announced the 2016 holiday mailing and shipping deadlines for domestic and international destinations as customers begin to prepare for the busy shopping and shipping season. Customers are encouraged to ship early.

To ensure timely delivery of cards, letters and packages within the United States by Dec. 25, the Postal Service recommends that customers ship their items by the following dates:

Mail-by Dates - Domestic Services

* Dec. 15 - USPS Retail Ground

Ground service for less-than-urgent deliveries and oversized packages.

* Dec. 20 - First-Class Mail

Service for standard-sized, single-piece envelopes and small packages weighing up to 13 ounces with delivery in 3 business days or less.

* Dec. 21 - Priority Mail

Domestic service in 1, 2 or 3 business days based on where the package is mailed and where it's being sent, variety of flat-rate options.

Complete details on Mailing and Shipping services<https://www.usps.com/ship/mail-shipping-services.htm?> can be found on usps.com.

Mail-by Dates - International Services

Customers mailing internationally during the holidays are advised to review the chart below for specific deadlines based on the locations they are mailing to and the service they are using. When mailing and shipping internationally, customers must also follow necessary customs guidelines. Visit the International Shipping<https://www.usps.com/international/preparing-international-shipments.htm?> page on usps.com for more information.

International Mail Addressed To

Global Express Guaranteed (GXG)***

Priority Mail Express International (PMEI)

Priority Mail International (PMI)

First-Class Package International Service (FCPIS)

Africa

Dec 20

Dec 08

Dec 01

Dec 01

Asia/Pacific Rim

Dec 20

Dec 15

Dec 08

Dec 08

Australia/New Zealand

Dec 20

Dec 15

Dec 08

Dec 08

Canada

Dec 22

Dec 17

Dec 10

Dec 08

Caribbean

Dec 22

Dec 15

Dec 10

Dec 08

Central & South America

Dec 21

Dec 10

Dec 01

Dec 01

Mexico

Dec 21

Dec 15

Dec 08

Dec 08

Europe

Dec 21

Dec 15

Dec 10

Dec 08

Middle East

Dec 19

Dec 15

Dec 10

Dec 08

***GXG Notes: 1) Cutoff date does not take into account time needed for customs clearance. 2) Should allocate extra transit day(s) for delivery outside major cities.

Mail-by Dates (Military)

The Postal Service is committed to ensuring those serving in the nation's armed forces and diplomatic service receive their presents, care packages and cards in time for the holidays. Complete military mailing deadlines to APO/FPO/DPO (Air/Army Post Office, Fleet Post Office and Diplomatic Post Office) destinations worldwide, as well as tips and guidelines, can be found at: http://about.usps.com/news/national-releases/2016/pr16_080.htm.

Shipping Supplies

As an added convenience, the Postal Service offers a wide variety of shipping supplies in multiple sizes at local Post Offices and online at usps.com. Some supplies, such as Priority Mail products, can also be delivered to the sender free of charge by going to usps.com/freeboxes.

Customers may also ship using their own materials. As a reminder, all packages weighing more than 13 ounces and bearing only stamps as postage cannot be deposited in collection boxes or given to letter carriers. These packages must be presented to a Postal Service employee at a retail window counter.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Center ISD will be held October 13, 2016, beginning at 12:30 PM in the Center Independent School District Administration Boardroom 107 PR 605 Center, TX 75935.

The subjects to be discussed or considered or upon which any formal action may be taken are listed below.

Items do not have to be taken in the same order as shown on this meeting notice.

(AUSTIN) – A $49 million jackpot winning ticket for the Mega Millions drawing held on Oct.11 was sold in Balch Springs. The ticket matched all six of the numbers drawn (36-39-42-45-48, Mega Ball 3). The cash value option, $32.3 million, was selected at the time of purchase.

For selling the winning ticket, Quicktrip #982, located at 12631 Lake June Rd. in Balch Springs, is eligible for a$490,000 retailer bonus.

“We look forward to meeting Texas’ newest millionaire and we are excited to have another Mega Millions jackpot winner here in Texas,” said Gary Grief, executive director of the Texas Lottery.

Mega Millions is played by picking five different numbers from one to 75 and one number from one to 15. To win the Mega Millions jackpot, players must match all six numbers drawn including the Mega Ball. Players matching fewer numbers may not win the jackpot, but still walk away big winners. By choosing the Megaplier® for $1 more

per play, players can multiply their non-jackpot winnings by two, three, four or five times, winning as much as $5 million.

About the Texas Lottery

Beginning with the first ticket sold in 1992, the Texas Lottery has generated $25 billion in revenue for the state and distributed $50 billion in prizes to lottery players. Since 1997, the Texas Lottery has contributed $19 billion to the Foundation School Fund, which supports public education in Texas. As authorized by the Texas Legislature, certain Texas Lottery revenues benefit state programs including the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance.

Since the first veterans’ themed scratch ticket game was launched in 2009, the Texas Lottery has contributed more than $66 million for programs supporting Texas veterans.

The Texas Lottery provides several entertaining games for lottery players including Powerball®

, Mega Millions®

,

Lotto Texas®

, All or Nothing™

, Texas Two Step®

, Pick 3™

, Daily 4™

, Cash Five®

, Texas Triple Chance™

and scratch ticket games. For more information visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube or at

Nacogdoches Medical Center is hosting an RN Hiring Event Wednesday, October 12th from 4pm to 8pm at the Nacogdoches Medical Center on the 3rd Floor Classroom.

Nacogdoches Medical Center invites you to discover how you can make a difference in healthcare and in your career while working at one of the area's top employers! Use your skills to make a real difference in the lives of others. Excellent benefits and competitive salaries, NMC is an equal opportunity employer.

Customarily held in large, metropolitan areas such as Houston, Austin and Dallas-Fort Worth, the 87th annual meeting of the Texas Archeological Society will be held in Nacogdoches this year and hosted by Stephen F. Austin State University Oct. 28 through 30 in the Baker Pattillo Student Center.

This year’s meeting will be the second time the Oldest Town in Texas has hosted the event. The first time was in 1995. Nacogdoches’ selection as the conference host correlates with the city’s celebration of its 300th anniversary.

“The meeting consists of a day and a half of presentations of papers and posters from professionals, students and avocationals,” said Dr. George Avery, director of the SFA anthropology and archeology lab. “All areas of Texas are represented, but there will be special emphasis on the Spanish presence in this area. There also will be meetings of the Council of Texas Archeologists, the Texas Historical Commission’s Stewardship program, and the TAS executive and board meetings.”

On Friday evening, the public is invited to bring artifacts to be identified. Jason Barrett with the Houston division of the Texas Department of Transportation will then speak on the resurgence of public archeology in the Houston area. Both this speaker event and the artifact identification are free to attend.

Dr. Juliana Barr, associate professor in the Duke University Department of History, will speak at a Saturday evening banquet regarding the role of archeology in telling the story of the American Indians prior to European arrival. On Sunday, three field trip opportunities for participants will be offered at Caddo Mounds State Historic Site, Nacogdoches County sites and Mission Dolores State Historic Site.

A silent auction also will be held during the weekend conference. Auction donors include Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Kroger and Brookshires in Nacogdoches. In addition, Kiwanas of Nacogdoches, Lions Club of San Augustine and the Deep East Texas Archeological Society of Newton have each sponsored one high school student to attend the conference.

The TAS is a non-profit organization, and the goal of the annual meeting is to fundraise for TAS activities, which include raising awareness that many construction projects impact archeological sites. The TAS hosts workshops year-round on various archeological topics, including ceramics, lithics (stone tools), macrobotanicals, historic archeology and rock-art recording. TAS also has a one-week field school in June each year. See http://www.txarch.org/index.php for more information on the TAS.

The cost of the TAS conference is $60 for adult members and $30 for student members. The cost for adult non-members is $70 and student non-members is $35. For information or to register, contact Avery at (936) 468-2457 or averyg@sfasu.edu.

James / Antioch Community Center will host "Meet Your Neighbor" night on October 15th at 6:30pm. Everyone from the James / Antioch community is invited to come have a free hot dog with all the fixings and meet and greet old and new neighbors. There will be tables set up for 42, cards, and board games. Plan to come join us.

Come and experience a fun-filled day at the Healthy Harvest Culinary Arts Expo hosted by East Texas family and consumer science extension educators with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. This event will be held on Wednesday, November 9th, at the Nacogdoches Exposition Center. Registration begins at 8:00 am.

Don a pair of comfortable walking shoes because starting at 9:00 am, participants will be shuttled to the beautiful campus of Stephen F. Austin State University for a guided tour of the Sprout Gardens. Participants will then proceed to the historic Hardeman House Bed and Breakfast for tea and a tour. After a shuttle ride back to the Nacogdoches Exposition Center, participants will enjoy a noon barbeque luncheon followed by an afternoon consisting of a Dinner Tonight cooking demonstration and Damsels in Defense presentation. The day will conclude at 3:30 pm, but not before participants are treated to a wine and cheese pairing with Granny Muffin Wines from Palestine, Texas. Participants will also receive a goody-bag and have a chance to win some fabulous door prizes along the way. The cost is $30 to pre-register or $35 at the door.

For more information or to pre-register, please contact Claudann Jones, the FCS Extension Educator, at the Nacogdoches County Extension Office. Phone: 936-560-7711. Please RSVP with payment by November 4th, 2016.

Vendor booth spaces are still available for the fourth annual Día de los Muertos Fiesta slated for 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, in downtown Nacogdoches in and around The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House.

Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead observance, is considered a cheerful celebration of life, honoring the souls of the deceased. Día de los Muertos is a Mexican term derived from the Roman Catholic All Saints’ and All Souls’ days, traditionally observed Nov. 1 and 2. An array of activities, ranging from decorating graves to creating home altars, typically highlight the celebration that can last for days.

The popular Chikawa Aztec Dancers, Martinez Mariachi Duo and musicians Juan Carlos and Jenna Ureña will return to entertain crowds at the Nacogdoches celebration, which grows in popularity each year, according to Lisa Steed, events coordinator for Stephen F. Austin State University art galleries.

A fundraiser for the gallery will feature original art and Day of the Dead vintage items.

Those interested in reserving booth spaces may email sfaartgalleries@sfasu.edu to receive a reservation form, which are also available at the Nacogdoches Public Library and The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House.

Among the vendors already committed to participating are SFA Art Metals, SFA Art Alliance, Friends of the Visual Arts, The Old Stone Fort, Nacogdoches Public Library with free children’s activities, SFA School of Theatre with face painting, and several food vendors, including Casa Morales and Birdie’s Bakery, and more.

Sponsors are also being solicited for the event. Confirmed sponsors include SFA Sound Recording Technology, R&K Distributors, the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau and Friends of the Visual Arts.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities or booth reservations, call (936) 468-6557.

In support of our local law enforcement officers, The Hampton Inn & Suites in Center, Texas, managed by Pathfinder Development, announces its Inaugural Back the Blue BBQ, to be held on October 14th. Amy McSwain, General Manager, said, “We would like to see all of our state and local law enforcement officers bring their family and friends out and allow us, as a community, to thank them for all they do for us and our community.”

The BBQ will begin at Noon. Food provided by Sabine Bank, Goodtimes Smokehouse, and T&R Steaks & More. There will be fun for all ages. Bounce house provided by Action Restoration. Attendees will be able to swim and use the hot tub! Each officer who attends will receive certificate for a free night stay at the Hampton Inn in Center and a Free Grizzly cup from Port-A-Cool. The day will be filled with drawings for all sorts of exciting prizes including; 8 Different Weekend Get-a-ways, a Ruger American 308 digital camo rifle, Igloo Cooler, Yeti Cups, and lots more! Press inquiries call: 936-657-8012.

The following local businesses have come together to make this day special: Port-A-Cool, Goodtimes Smokehouse, The Century Shop, Little Caesar’s Pizza, Hometown Tackle, Boles Feed, Dependable arms, General Shelters, Covington Lumber, Center Motor Company, Sabine Bank and many more!

Back the Blue BBQ Donations List:

Hampton Inn & Suites -free hotel stay for every officer that attends

Port-a-cool - 110 quart Igloo cooler with the port a cool logo on it, 20 oz, grizzly cups w/port a cool logo on it for each officer that shows up

Ace Hardware - four 20oz yeti cups,

The Century Shoppe - gift basket

Little Caesar’s (donating 6 pizzas for kids that show up)

Hometown Tackle- Kuuma 30 oz tumber cup and kuuma coozie

Action Restoration - bounce house

Sabine State Bank - sponsored the meat for bbq

A-1 Auto Glass-$120.00 cash donation

Good Times Smokehouse-meat and cooking

Tractor Supply- cinch hat and $25.00 gift card

T&R’s Steaks N’ More- donating 2 sides and rolls

Dependable Arms- Ruger American 308 digital camo rifle

Covington Lumber-500 watt Power Zone work light with tripod stand

Boles Feed-Case knife

Ford (Center Motor Co.)- Gift certificate for one oil change and one filter change including 5 quarts of oil and oil filter

General Shelters- "Crusher" bag for vehicles that comes with a pair of gloves and jumper cables, 8 General Shelters Hats, Leak proof Yeti Hopper,

Huxley Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting their Annual Fall Festival Saturday, October 29th at the Huxley Volunteer Fire House.

There will be a six gun raffle, big raffle, auction and over 20 guns! Children's activities will include a cake walk, as well as other fun activities. There will be Bar-B-Q Chicken Plates, Chili and more great food. Activities start at 6:00 p.m, food will be ready at 4:00 p.m.

The Golden Harvest Ministries Club will meet Monday, October 17th in the Fellowship Hall of the First Baptist Church at 11:30 AM. The program will be presented by Kathy Sawyer, Sandra Davis and Cassey Fowler from the Fannie Brown Booth Library. Also, flu shots and pneumonia shots will given at no cost to those covered by Medicare Part A and B. Please remember to bring your Medicare card with you.

Visitors are always welcome to join us for a delicious covered dish luncheon, a good program and time of fellowship.

Tickets are still available for the Big Head Blues Club performance at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the Stephen F. Austin State University campus.

The Big Head Blues Club, featuring Big Head Todd and the Monsters with Mud Morganfield, Billy Branch, Ronnie Baker Brooks and Erica Brown, will present “Way Down Inside: Songs of Willie Dixon,” a performance that pays tribute to one of the pillars of modern blues. The show, which is part of the SFA College of Fine Arts’ University Series, is sponsored in part by Lehmann Eye Center.

Prior to the performance, Dr. J.D. Salas, associate professor in the SFA School of Music, will present an informative talk about blues music at 7 p.m. in Griffith Gallery. The gallery is located across the hall from Turner Auditorium, which is located in the Griffith Fine Arts Building, 2222 Alumni Drive. The audience is invited back to the gallery for a post-performance reception to meet the performers and to honor the event’s corporate sponsor.

Single event ticket prices are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $10 for non-SFA students/youth. Tickets for SFA students are $3. For tickets or more information on the 2016-17 University Series, visit finearts.sfasu.edu, stop by the Box Office in Room 211 of the Griffith Fine Arts Building, or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.

Stephen F. Austin State University’s Braille and Cane Club will host a White Cane Day parade and activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13th, on the university campus in honor of National White Cane Safety Day.

The day celebrates the growing independence and self-sufficiency of people who are blind in America, and also works to recognize the white cane as the symbol of independence and self-reliance, according to the National Federation of the Blind’s website.

Laura Kiefer, SFA Braille and Cane Club president, is coordinating the event.

“This day is very close to my heart because my mom is visually impaired and uses a cane. I know she often encounters people who believe in the many misconceptions associated with blindness,” said Kiefer, a Fort Worth senior studying rehabilitation and orientation and mobility at SFA.

Open to the public, the festivities will include a parade through campus along Vista Drive, North Street and East College Street. Parade participants are encouraged to wear white and should meet at 9:30 a.m. in the first floor lobby of the Human Services Building on the SFA campus. The parade will end at the SFA fountain.

“This event is incredibly important in providing public awareness to the fact that people who are blind are happy, productive and independent members of the community,” Kiefer said.

In addition to the parade, club members will host a public awareness event beginning at 11 a.m. in front of the Baker Pattillo Student Center and a bake sale near the SFA fountain. Funds raised from the bake sale will support the club’s annual Christmas party for local children with visual impairments.

First Pentecostal Church of Joaquin is having a Winterfest November 12th. Location is at the church, 11113 St. Hwy 7 East Joaquin, Texas. We are looking for vendors that would like to setup a booth to sell your items. Booths will be inside, limited space left. Booths are 5x10 $15.00, 8x10 $20.00 or 10x10 $20.00 Deadline to register is October 15th. For vendor forms and booth information please contact: Tonhia Fleming 936-572-8233 or send email to: tonhia2000@yahoo.com.

If during the course of the meeting, any discussion of items on the Agenda that should be held in executive or closed session, the Council will convene in executive or closed session, in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Government Code Section and Texas Revised Civil Statues.

Order of Business:

1. Call to Order

2. Roll Call

3. Pledge &Prayer

4. Review and Consider Approval of 2016-2017 Budgets for Water Account and General Account which includes separate budgets for Fines and Fire. - ACTION

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today unveiled an innovative partnership with community development organizations from across the country, providing $401 million of Community Facilities program funds to recipients with a track record of successful programs to help reduce poverty in some of the nation’s poorest and most isolated rural communities. Twenty-six community development organizations have been approved to draw upon the funding to provide long-term, low-interest financing to be “re-lent” to local entities to build, acquire, maintain or renovate essential community facilities. The funds also can be used for capacity building and to finance essential community services, such as education, health care and infrastructure.

“This effort builds on our commitment to lifting up the economic prospects of communities that have not benefited from the revitalization of rural America,” Vilsack said. “By engaging with local and national partners, private-sector financial institutions and philanthropic organizations, USDA will inject a game-changing level of investment capital to reduce poverty in targeted rural areas where the capacity for growth has not been realized. As we have seen with the Obama Administration’s Promise Zone initiative and USDA’s StrikeForce effort, targeted, place-based investments can have a real impact on reducing poverty. This funding adds another important tool in that fight.”

The financing has two unique features. First, private financial institutions, including Bank of America and others, will be providing guarantees for a portion of the loans. Second, the recipient community development organizations, or “re-lenders,” may also have an opportunity to secure grants provided by seven of the nation’s premier philanthropic organizations through a $22 million fund to assist in managing and capacity building. The Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation will manage this grant fund.

CEN-TEX Certified Development Corporation received a $5 million Community Facilities loan to re-lend the funds for eligible community facility projects primarily in persistent poverty counties and high poverty areas in rural Texas.

“USDA is pleased to provide Community Facilities funding to CEN-TEX Certified Development Corporation to help communities in rural Texas create jobs, stimulate local economies and provide improved public services to their residents,” said Paco Valentin,

USDA Texas State Director. “This funding will help rural areas keep pace with the needs of their rising populations.”

Since 2009, USDA Rural Development (@USDARD ) has funded nearly 9,200 community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care facilities; invested nearly $13 billion to start or expand nearly 112,000 rural businesses; helped 1.1 million rural residents buy homes; and helped bring high-speed Internet access to nearly 6 million rural residents and businesses. USDA also has invested $31.3 billion in 963 electric projects that have financed more than 185,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines serving 4.6 million rural residents. For more information, visit www.usda.gov/results.

To read more about USDA’s investments in rural America and its successful turnaround, visit USDA's entry on Medium.com, Rural America Is Back in Business.

The order of the Eastern Star Newbern #1135 is having their 28 th annual chicken adn dressing dinner on Octover 28, 2016 11:00 am - 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Center, Texas. Donation is $6.00. Take outs available for more information please call Vicki Jernigan at 936-427-2746.

THS Homecoming News – The Timpson High School varsity Bears defeated the Wortham Bulldogs 20-7 at the Homecoming Game Friday night October 7th . Congratulations Bears!

Homecoming Queen – Congratulations to Ana DeLeon who was crowned homecoming queen at the Friday October 8 homecoming game. Great job Ana!!

THS Volleyball News - The Lady Bears won in 3 sets over San Augustine 25-6,25-15,25-6. We are tied for 2nd in District with a 6-2 record! We host Carlisle(7-1) Tuesday with Varsity only starting at 4:30. We want to thank the Football team and coaches for coming out and supporting the Lady Bears!!!

Remediation Days – Timpson ISD has five remediation/enrichment days scheduled at the end of each of the first five six weeks periods. Dates for these days are:

October 3 – Monday

November 14 – Monday

January 20 – Friday

March 6 – Monday

April 24 – Monday

These dates are also indicated on the 2016-2017 school calendar on the district website at www.timpsonisd.com<https://www.timpsonisd.com>. Students who will attend are those with:

- Two or more unexcused absences

- Two or more discipline referrals

- Academic Need

Students will attend school on those days from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Parents will be responsible for transporting students to and from school. Meals will not be served. The purpose of these days is to provide students with the opportunity to make up for unexcused absences and to work with students individually and in small groups to ensure students have mastery of learning skills needed to be successful in their grade level subjects and on state assessment skills. A note will be sent home to parents of students who need to attend remediation days the week of or the week before the remediation day. If you have questions, please call your child’s building principal. Parents will receive a letter and or phone call by Thursday Sept. 29 if your child is expected to attend the first remediation day on Monday Oct. 3.

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN TEXAS TO BE ABLE TO VOTE IN THE NOVEMBER 8TH GENERAL ELECTION!!!! In Shelby County, the voter registrars office is at the courthouse, in the same office you pay your taxes. They will be open from 8-4:30. If you mail in your voter registration application, it must be postmarked today!!! If you feel like you registered at the drivers license office but never received a voter registration card, call 598-5340 to verify that you did get registered.

The 2016 East Texas Poultry Festival broiler sale brought over $81,195.00 with the grand champion pen of broilers selling for $7,500.00.

82 Shelby County 4-H and FFA youth exhibited at this year's show, with 45 pens of broilers making the sale. We would like to give special thanks to the Judge Alisa Zulkowski for taking the time to come judge the show. Ms. Zulkowski spoke to several of the exhibitors and gave them several tips of how to grow an outstanding Broiler.

The Results of the show are as follows:

Macade Perry of Center FFA sold his grand champion pen of broilers to East Texas Poultry, Ace Hardware of East Texas and 4-C Electric for $7,500.00.

Mason Perry of Center FFA won reserve champion honors with his pen of broilers, which sold to Farmer’s State Bank for $2,500.

We would like to take this time to say “thank you” from the Shelby County 4-H and FFA members, and the Broiler Show Committee to Contributors for their generous contributions and to the many volunteers that help make the annual “Broiler Show” the great event that it is every year!

The members of Texas A&M AgriLife will provide equal opportunities in programs and activities, education, and employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity and wills strive to achieve full and equal employment opportunity throughout Texas A&M AgriLife. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating

LUFKIN - Two county roads are set to be closed in Shelby County as Texas Department of Transportation contractors prepare to replace two off-line county bridges.

Stateline Construction, contractor for the $552,047 project, will close the bridges beginning Tuesday on County Road 4256 at the tributary of Flat Fork Creek and County Road 4670 at McFadden Creek.

The bridge replacement projects are expected to be completed in early February, weather permitting, and both roads will be closed until the projects are finished. Bridge approaches, railings and metal beam guard fencing will also be replaced at both locations.

Motorists are urged to be aware of the road closures and plan alternate routes until work is completed. Stay alert to workers and heavy equipment in these and all construction areas. Motorists should observe all signage and workers who might be in the area.

For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov<mailto:Rhonda.OaksDonaldson@txdot.gov> or (936) 633-4395.

HUXLEY HELPING HANDS, A LOCAL MISSION GROUP FROM THE HUXLEY COMMUNITY, ARE HOLDING A FOOD PANTRY FOR THE RESIDENTS OF SHELBY COUNTY. IT WILL BE HELD SATURDAY OCTOBER 15,2016. IDENTIFICATION & PROOF OF RESIDENCY WILL BE REQUIRED. ONLY (1) BOX PER HOUSEHOLD WILL BE GIVEN.

DATE: October 15, 2016

SIGN IN STARTS AT: 9:00 A.M. UNTIL FOOD IS GONE

LOCATION: HILLCREST BAPTIST CHURCH

901 SOUTHVIEW CIRCLE, CENTER TEXAS

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Hall of Honor Induction 4:30 pm in the Café’ (Terry Bowlin and Randy Jackson are the 2016 illustrious members)

Pre-game activities begin at 5:30 pm

Year Books Available:

There are extra 2015-2016 Tiger yearbooks available for purchase. Full-color, 130 pages of Tenaha Tiger highlights for $40.00.

Contact Ali Tyner (tynerali@tenahaisd.com) or you can bring money to campus office.

The Tenaha FFA/AG Program will be having a canned food drive to support the North Texas Food Bank. Canned foods will be delivered on Oct. 11, 2016 at the State Fair of Texas for AG Awareness Day.

Please show your support of the Tenaha FFA/AG Program by donating September 12th-October 10th. Donation will be accepted at the High School and Elementary Offices. Thanks in advance for your continued support!!! Mrs. Richey

Tenaha ISD is hosting a shot/immunization clinic on Mon., Oct. 17th for PK-12 students. This is for ANY student that is behind on immunizations, as well as the MCV booster (bacterial meningitis) for SENIORS. This is a requirement for 12th graders planning on attending a college or a vocational school upon graduation. This is a FREE service to our students as long as paperwork is completed and returned.

Parents: be on the look-out for paperwork if your child is behind. All forms are due on OCTOBER 12th to allow the clinic to order the required materials for the upcoming clinic. Please take advantage of this service as it can save you money & time.

Green's House of Care, Gyular Abram, CEO and Debra Jordan, Program Director

Three J Subway in San Augustine, where Candy and her crew will take great care of you

Speaking of Subway, just like the rest of you,Inline image 2 , and... Inline image 4is having a Customer Appreciation Special the First Friday of every month for the rest of the year - that's Oct 7, Nov 4, and Dec 2, with $3 6" and $5 footlongs, what a great deal!

Inline image 6It's almost Sassafras time - we hope you can join us for the Inline image 3Bingo Supper on Friday night, for food, fun, and great prizes! Come by the Chamber or see any Board member for tickets. After all of the good times all day Saturday, family fun continues into the night with Main Street's Movie in the Park on Saturday night, when they'll be showing Paranorman in Ayish Park behind the Log Cabin. Call Tracy Cox at 275-3172 with questions.

And if you want a booth but haven't gotten one yet, hurry, because they are almost gone!! We have sold 92 spots already and know it is going to be the best fest yet! Also, we have a number of opportunities to volunteer (and THANK YOU to those who are already signed up!!) so if you'd like to get involved, call Kelly at the Chamber and she'll be happy to get you in on the fun. Also, Sponsorships are still available, call Kelly for details before somebody sponsors the thing you wanted to sponsor!! There is a letter attached with more details.

Our next Membership Meeting will be on Tuesday, October 18th, and we are looking forward to hearing all about the exciting changes at Mission Dolores from the new Site Director, Mick Haven.

One more fun event coming up is Trunk or Treat on Halloween on the square, which the Chamber and Main Street are teaming up to be sure the kids have a fun, safe time on the 31st - plan to come out with your little ones, or call Kelly Camp or Tracy Cox if you'd like to volunteer to hand out candy and enjoy all the cute costumes!

TISD Site Evacuation – Timpson ISD will conduct a site evacuation drill Thursday October 20 at 10:00 a.m. Students will board buses, be transported around the block and returned to school. A site evacuation would be conducted for any reason that remaining on campus is deemed unsafe.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and John Michael Burns Insurance Agency will host the 3rd annual HALLOWEEN IN THE HOLE, Tuesday, October 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Center High School baseball field.

All Shelby County businesses, churches and organizations are invited to participate. Participants are required to provide their own table (folding table or smaller), candy or treats, table decorations, etc. Participants need a sign on the front of their table with their name.

Law enforcement officers will provide security to ensure all children and families enjoy a safe environment.

The sheriff’s office will provide trick-or-treat bags for the event. Children, 12 years of age and under, must be dressed in costume to trick-or-treat. Participants will NOT pass out candy to adults.

The CHS National Honor Society will provide music for the event and the concession stand will be available. They will also have games for prizes and other fun activities.

Boom Boom Photo Booth will be available for pictures and the CHS Art Club will have a face painting booth.

Bring the family and enjoy a safe evening of fun!

If you have questions or to request a table, contact Leah Chase at the Sheriff’s Office: (936) 598-5601, (936) 572-0423 or by email at leah.chase@co.shelby.tx.us.

Early Release – Timpson ISD will release at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 7th.

TMS Earns TEA Distinction – Timpson Middle School achieved a Met Standard rating in the 2016 state accountability ratings. This is the highest rating a campus can earn. In addition to achieving a Met Standard rating, TMS also was awarded 4 distinction designations based on achievement in performance indicators relative to a group of 40 campuses of similar type size and student demographics. The distinctions Timpson Middle School received are:

• Academic Achievement in Science

“Earning one or more campus distinctions is noteworthy and should be a source of pride in a community”, said Texas Education Agency Commissioner of Education Mike Morath in a September 14th TEA news release. TMS Principal Calvin Smith stated, “I am very proud of the staff and students for earning the Met Standard rating and the added distinction in Academic Achievement in Science”. Smith went on to say his staff is already busy working toward achieving continued student academic improvement and achievement.

Constitution Week Essays – As part of Constitution Week Timpson High School students wrote essays about parts of the Constitution. We will be publishing several of these essays. These essays reflect the factual research and opinion of the author. THS junior Kelan Foster wrote the attached essay.

Timpson FFA Livestock Project Meeting -

Who – Any student (3rd and up) or FFA member wanting to exhibit an animal project this year!!!

When – October 10th @ 6:00 p.m.

Where – High School Auditorium

We will be holding a meeting to discuss the 2016-2017 show season. We will be finalizing our numbers for the county show and taking final buy orders for pigs, sheep and goats. If possible students must be present with a parent or guardian. We anticipate having a great show season. Please send email to Mrs. Powers or Mr. Gaylord with any questions you may have about this meeting.

Mark your calendar now! Shelbyville HS will be presenting a program on Financial Aid for College on Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at the Shelbyville High School Library from 6:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m.

Denise Welch, Financial Aid Counselor from Panola College, will be the presenter. Students and parents of the Class of 2017 are invited to attend and learn about financial aid for colleges, technical schools and other institutions of postsecondary education and how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You will have access to the school computers and can begin filling out the required forms. For more information, contact Ms. Bays at the high school – (936) 598-7323.

Unlucky 13th Round Seth Wilson finally loses at Jeopardy. Wilson finished his run with a $267,002 after adding $2,000 for finishing second on today's show. He will be back on the show for this season's Tournament of Champions.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and John Michael Burns Insurance Agency will host the 3rd annual HALLOWEEN IN THE HOLE. This year’s event will take place Tuesday, Oct. 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Center High School baseball field.

All Shelby County businesses, churches and organizations are invited to participate. Participants are required to provide their own table (folding table or smaller), candy or treats, table decorations, etc. Participants need a sign on the front of their table with their name.

Law enforcement officers will provide security to ensure all children and families enjoy a safe environment.

The sheriff’s office will provide trick-or-treat bags for the event. Children, 12 years of age and under, must be dressed in costume to trick-or-treat. Participants will NOT pass out candy to adults.

HS National Honor Society will provide music for the event and the concession stand will be available. They will also have games for prizes! Word all that however you wish!

If you have questions or to request a table, contact Leah Chase at the Sheriff’s Office: (936) 598-5601, (936) 572-0423 or by email at leah.chase@co.shelby.tx.us.

The Panola College Center LVN Program application deadline has been extended through October 10, 2016 for the classes starting in January 2017.

You may pick up an application at the Shelby College Center located at 3600 Loop 500 East Center, Texas 75935 or at the Carthage Campus in the Health and Natural Science building Nursing Department at 1119 W. Panola Carthage , Texas 75633. For more information please contact: Rachel Paddie 936-598-9543 ex: 6006. Application requirements can be found on the Panola College website at www.panola.edu.

The Shelby County Historical Society and Museum will have our October Meeting on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at the Museum at 2:00 p.m. Judge Bennie Boles will be the speaker. He will either talk about his Football Career at Center High School and Sam Houston State University or possibly an old interesting jury trial in which he was over.

Everyone is invited to attend and also see our new display of Sports Memorabilia, and other things.

The "Center Garden Club" proudly announces the Yard of the Month to the Jaimes family. Lisa Albers and Judy Matthews present the Yard of the Month sign to the family.

This is the time to dig and divide your spring perennials. Your Tulips and Dutch hyacinths should be chilled at 45 degrees for a minimum of 45 days in the refrigerator. Wait until mid-December to plant chilled bulbs. Oh yes...don't forget to remove damaged or dead branches. Please, keep your garden tidy as plants wind down for season.

Texans across the Lone Star State are invited to celebrate Arbor Day Nov. 4.

Arbor Day is a holiday for trees – it is the perfect day to plant trees and to celebrate all the ways that trees enrich our lives, communities and landscapes.

In Texas, the official state Arbor Day celebration is held in a different host city each year on the first Friday in November. This year, the city of Nacogdoches will host the Texas Arbor Day celebration in the Millard’s Crossing Historic Village.

The celebration, is aptly themed Leaving a Legacy, as Nacogdoches, celebrating a Tricentennial this year, is recognized as the Oldest Town in Texas. Festivities will feature a ceremony, educational activities, tree plantings, giveaways and homage to historic and champion trees. Events are free and open to the public.

For those unable to attend the state celebration, Texas A&M Forest Service invites you to celebrate Arbor Day in your own ways, in your own communities.

“The idea is for everyone in Texas to take one day – the same day – to truly appreciate trees and plant one,” said Paul Johnson Texas A&M Forest Service urban and community forestry program coordinator. “Planting a tree leaves a legacy for future generations while beautifying the spaces where we live, work and play today.”

Texas A&M Forest Service is making it easy for anyone, anywhere to participate in Arbor Day. We’ve provided tips online to help you create a memorable Arbor Day in your own community, and fun, educational activities for schools, groups and families to get outdoors and learn more about trees.

Please visit http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/arborday/ for ideas on how to host an Arbor Day ceremony. Here you can also find instructions on how to properly plant a tree and activities about the benefits of trees, tree parts and how to identify a tree by its leaves or structure – plus so much more.

About Texas Arbor Day: Under the leadership of the Texas Forestry Association, Texas first observed Arbor Day in 1889, celebrating the benefits that trees provide over a lifetime.

Volleyball Game Time Change – Coach Foster reports that the home game time Friday vs. San Augustine will be Varsity only starting at 4:00 p.m. due to Homecoming.

THS Football Game Reserved Seating – Reserved seating for Timpson varsity football games are available for purchase in the TISD Administration building. See Sherri Strahan. Reserved seating is $20.00 for the remaining two home games.

THS Constitution Week – During Constitution Week Timpson High School English, world geography, government, economics, American history and business teachers joined forces to make the United States Constitution understandable, meaningful and relevant to today‘s young adults. Teachers Ms. Dawson, Ms. Hammett, Mr. Calhoon, Mr. Rucker and Mrs. Tippett had students complete cross curriculum activities that require students to use skills learned in many subject areas. Learning activities completed by students included:

• Analyze and memorize the preamble to the constitution

• Research and write an essay “What America Means to Me”

• Play Constitution Trivia game

• Write an expository essay on “Were the Framers of the Constitution an adequate representation of the American People?” or “Did the Constitution adequately remedy issues with the Article of Confederation?”

• Design and create campaign buttons

• Make pocket size copy of the Constitution

• Create a Bill of Rights notebook

• Teachers helped students who had turned 18 register to vote

The students’ work is displayed in the high school hall. We will be publishing some of the essays students wrote in future Bear Updates.

TES Kindergarten at Poultry Festival – For the 20th year in a row Timpson Elementary School kindergarten class will lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag t the 40th annual East Texas Poultry Festival Thursday October 5 during the opening ceremony under the Big Tent on the Center historic square at 10:00 a.m. This is an event the kindergarten class has the privilege to participate in and have been invited back to each year. Not only does it give these five year olds the opportunity to show respect for the American flag and the country it represents, but it also gives them the opportunity to speak in front of a crowd and enjoy the festivities of the poultry festival that has become a fall tradition for Shelby County.

Color Me Calm at the Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library, Adult and Young Adult Coloring (ages 14 years old and up), will be held Thursday, October 6th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. The library provides everything. Just come, color and relax!

Seph Wilson SFA instructor has currently won 12 rounds on the game show Jeopardy wining at current $262,000 on the trivia game show, turning facts into a fortune. In today's show he took on Joe Schneider of New Jersey and Ben Wynns of New York City. More updates to follow.

A little warmer today thru Thursday morning as a LOW extending from Canada through New Mexico has slowed to a crawl and is allowing our good ole Gulf moisture back into our area. Our southerly winds return with this front. Too dry to bring the much needed moisture for us. We will see close to 90 degrees and only dropping into the 60's during the evenings as the moisture and humidity keeps us from cooling during the evening hours.

BUT, several HIGHS behind the front will bring us back to the ?Fall like temperatures where the dry air will feel great and the heating and cooling will be much more efficient. Back to low 80's and 50's with a return of Northerly winds. Yeah! 10 days of mostly cloud free days even though a brief popup shower on Wednesday is not out of the question as the LOW does move past....10%... maybe...

Definately football weather...dry air, crisp fall feel is returning, light jackets and sweaters at game time and through the week end and most of next week.

The Texas Transportation Commission approved last week $1.1 million earmarked for improvements to the Center Municipal Airport. The money is designated for electrical, pavement and drainage improvements at the airport.

Commissioners approved a total of $17.9 million for improvements in rural airports that included Alice International Airport, Arlington Municipal Airport, Coulter Field (Bryan), Castroville Municipal Airport, McKinney National Airport, South Texas Regional at Hondo Airport, Stephenville Clark Field and Sugar Land Regional Airport.

Improvements are funded through TxDOT’s Aviation Facilities Grant Program, which preserves and improves the state’s general aviation system. TxDOT expects this year to provide approximately $60 million in funding for planning, constructing and maintaining approximately 275 community airports in Texas that are eligible for federal and state funding.

More than three million flight hours are logged in arrivals and departures each year from Texas community airports, which additionally provide aircraft facilities for agricultural, medical, business and commuter use.

The Texas Department of State Health Services today issued a health alert encouraging health care providers in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Webb, Willacy and Zapata counties to consider Zika virus infection in their patients and order testing as medically indicated.

DSHS recommends testing pregnant women who live in this area and have at least two of the four most common Zika symptoms – fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (eye redness) – regardless of their travel history or other risk factors. In line with current testing criteria, DSHS continues to recommend testing anyone with at least three of those symptoms statewide and all pregnant women who have traveled to an area with active Zika transmission, regardless of symptoms.

There have been no reported cases of Zika in Texas, but the Rio Grande Valley is considered to be at higher risk for Zika transmission because of previous outbreaks of dengue, a similar virus spread by the same type of mosquito.

“We don’t have any evidence that the virus is being transmitted by mosquitoes in Texas, but as Zika continues to spread in the Western Hemisphere, now is the time to increase our surveillance,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, Commissioner of DSHS. “Doctors should be looking for Zika in their patients, and everyone should be taking personal precautions to prevent Zika infection.”

People can help prevent the spread of Zika by mosquito bite by:

Using EPA-approved insect repellent every time they go outside.

Wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts that cover exposed skin.

Using air conditioning or window and door screens that are in good repair to keep mosquitoes out of the home.

Removing standing water in and around homes, including water in trash cans, toys, tires, flower pots and any other container that can hold water.

Because of the risk of birth defects associated with Zika, pregnant women should consider delaying travel to areas where the virus is being spread and prevent sexual transmission by avoiding unprotected sexual contact with partners who have traveled to places with active Zika transmission.

Texas has had 215 reported Zika cases, all related to travel, including two cases transmitted via sexual contact with someone infected overseas and two infants who were infected before birth.

The health alert is available at dshs.texas.gov/news/releases/2016/Zika-Health-Alert.aspx. Additional information for health care providers and the public is available at www.TexasZika.org.

Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a settlement with California app developer Juxta Labs, Inc. for violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act. Juxta Labs signed an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance (AVC), approved by the Travis Country District Court, agreeing not to collect personal information from any child under the age of 13. The AVC prohibits the company from allowing children to use their apps if those apps are not compliant with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act.

Under the terms of the AVC, Juxta Labs must screen enrollments to ensure children under 13 cannot use their services if personal information is being collected, delete all personal information of children under 13 it has custody or control of, and pay $30,000 to the State of Texas.

Juxta Labs owns and operates mobile apps for games and social media that were previously easy for children of any age to access. Many of the company’s apps offered free children’s games which generate revenue from advertisements and in-app purchases. Personal information was transmitted over these apps, including internet protocol addresses and GPS coordinates, which could be used to pinpoint a child’s location.

The Children’s Performing Arts Series at Stephen F. Austin State University offers more than just great national touring shows for young audiences.

The series, hosted by the College of Fine Arts, gives potential future SFA students and their teachers and parents another opportunity to visit campus and learn about the many programs that are offered here.

Each year, CPAS features five shows designed to entertain, educate and engage young audiences of all ages. Careful consideration is given to show topics, which always include teachable classroom elements, according to Diane Peterson, Fine Arts Box Office manager and director of the series.

“CPAS shows are a great way to supplement class curriculums, and our in-depth study guides provide suggestions for pre- and post-performance activities and discussions,” Peterson said.

CPAS shows bring hundreds of students from schools throughout East Texas to the SFA campus to enjoy the productions.

“Our shows are often sell-outs, so we encourage teachers to book their classrooms early to take advantage of these great field trips that provide fun and educational outings for children,” Peterson said. “We also offer great discounts for large groups.”

The 2016-2017 series opens Thursday, Oct. 27, with “Pollyanna” presented by Stars Within Reach Productions and targeting children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Based on the best-selling classic by Eleanor H. Porter, the all-new, original musical tells the story of one little girl’s philosophy on life of always finding something to be glad about, no matter the circumstances.

“Celebration USA! America Sings!” comes to SFA on Friday, Dec. 2. Also presented by Stars Within Reach Productions, this high-energy revue takes the audience on a musical journey across the country tracking the cultural and historical moments that helped shape our nation. This show targets students in third through eighth grades.

The popular musical “Seussical,” presented by Theatreworks USA, is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 10. The Cat in the Hat is host as Dr. Seuss’s beloved characters find themselves intertwined in an incredible crazy-quilt adventure in which the power of imagination saves the day. “Seussical” targets students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Hans Christian Anderson’s classic tale of “The Little Mermaid” is brought to life on Tuesday, March 7, in a brand new production by The Panto Company USA. The show, which targets children in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, follows the dreams of a young girl who believes there is a better life for her out of the water and features stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and original songs.

The longtime favorite Super Scientific Circus returns to the SFA campus on Thursday, May 11, with Mr. Fish and Trent the Mime once again proving that science can be fun and funny. They use amazing circus skills involving boomerangs, bubbles, beach balls, bullwhips and magic to introduce the principles of friction, inertia, centripetal force, aerodynamics and more. The show targets students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Performances are at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on show dates in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus. Tickets are $7.50 for individuals and $6 per person for groups of 20 or more.

To order tickets, call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS. Visit the CPAS website at www.cpas.sfasu.edu for additional information.

Cade Foehner will bring his musical talent to the Frances Jo Oates Stage on Saturday, October 8th at the East Texas Poultry Festival.

Cade is 20 years old and lives in Center, Texas. He and his bandmates have been performing in venues since their freshmen year. Cade is an accomplished musician and songwriter having won the Texas 10 under 20 guitar competition in 2014 at the Dallas International Guitar Festival. He and his band played at the 2015 Dallas International Festival on the Bugs Henderson Stage. Performing in the very famous" Saturday night all star jam" with some of the Texas greats such as Lance Lopez and Jimmy Wallace was a great privilege.

Cade auditioned for the Voice season 11 making into the top 100 out of 40,000. Cade's material is original. They are ready to "rock" in their hometown of Center, Texas!

Cade Foehner from Shelbyville was on the voice last night and gave his all sadly he did not make it to the next round, but he still one of the finest musicians in the United States and congradulations go out to him.